The government must set a list of safety standards that all camping providers must adhere to, to prevent a tragedy similar to yesterday's Batang Kali landslide.
This is according to Mohd Azizan Yunus, the director of Asia Camp Sdn Bhd, which has more than a decade's experience in handling camping activities across the country, including in Taman Negara.
"There must be a Risk Assessment Management System at the beginning of every year to eliminate possible hazards at camping sites.
"Those who handle activities at camping sites must have the certification to do so," he said in a statement last night.
In addition, camping site operators must also provide an evacuation route map and assembly point, should a disaster strike, he added.
Azizan also said that the staff tasked to handle camping activities should be competent in administering first aid before the arrival of medical professionals, should an accident happen.
"Health check forms with the medical history of every camping participant should be provided, and the participants' feedback should also be garnered to control endemic risks (repeating minor risks such as infrastructure failure)," said Azizan, adding that those who operate camping sites at hill slopes should also seek the advice of experts to gauge the safety beforehand.
With camping site activities now an industry and a tourist attraction, it is time the government called all stakeholders to present proposals to make the activity safer, he noted.
Yesterday, a landslide occurred at Father's Organic Farm, a popular campsite near Batang Kali in Selangor.
With 21 confirmed deaths so far and 12 people still missing, the landslide may be one of the country’s worst in recent decades. - Mkini
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