Pahang closes all campsites near rivers and high-risk locations

 

The Pahang Forestry Department (PFD) has closed all camping sites near rivers and high-risk locations, including hillsides and waterfalls, until further notice.

In a statement on its official Facebook account, PFD said the decision was made following the forecast of continuous heavy rain throughout the northeast monsoon, in addition to the landslide at a campsite in Batang Kali, Selangor, early yesterday morning.

“This closure involves all campsites managed by PFD and private operators such as the Lubuk Yu Forest Eco-Park, Maran, and Parit Falls Forest Eco-Park, Cameron Highlands.

“The public is advised not to organise any recreational activities in high-risk areas throughout this monsoon season to avoid untoward incidents,” the statement said.

As of last night, 21 victims were confirmed to have died in the landslide tragedy at the Fathers’ Organic Farm campsite in Batang Kali, while 12 more are still missing.

In the incident at 2.42am, a swathe of landmass measuring 300m-long and 70m-high crashed into the camping site.

The search and rescue operation involves the police’s K9 unit and the Emergency Medical Rescue Services from the Bukit Sentosa, Ampang, Pandan, Kota Anggerik, Kajang, and Andalas Fire and Rescue Stations, as well as the Special Tactical Rescue Operations Team.

- Bernama