Batang Kali tragedy: MPHS confirms no specific licence for campsites

 

The Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (MPHS) has confirmed there is no specific licence in the state for campsites at present.

This was after the operator of the campsite in Batang Kali, Selangor that was hit by a deadly landslide last Friday said he could not apply for a campsite licence because such a permit does not exist.

In a statement today, MPHS said while there is no specific licence, it is the responsibility of any business operator to file an application with the local council and ensure their business is in line with approved plans.

In the case of camping, the council said an application can be considered under a recreational centre licence.

Meanwhile, MPHS said as camping is becoming more popular, a specific policy needs to be created so that such activities can be carried out properly according to standard operating procedures.

On Monday, Father’s Organic Farm campsite spokesperson Frankie Tan said he was told by various government entities, including the Agriculture Department, that there is no such licence the campsite operator could apply for.

In the incident at about 2.42am on Dec 16, a landslide nearly 300m long and 70m high hit the campsite at Jalan Genting-Batang Kali.

Twenty-six were killed while seven victims are still missing. A total of 61 victims have been rescued.

The campsite operator and staff were summoned for a police investigation on Dec 18.

Prior to this, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the campsite was operating without a licence from MPHS.