By Sheena Fathil
KUALA SELANGOR, Aug 26 — All parties including operators of campsites in the state have been reminded to be on the alert for natural disaster incidents and to follow all standard operating procedures (SOP) on site at all times for the safety of their patrons.
Selangor executive councillor for the environment and climate change Jamaliah Jamaluddin said guidelines have been finalised and shared with those who run campsites and that all rules must be strictly followed to avoid untoward incidents from happening.
Jamaliah said due to the recent spate of heavy rains, attention needs to be given to high-risk areas especially during weekends and the upcoming school holidays where tourist numbers rise, but continuous monitoring needs to take place at all times.
“The SOP for campsites has been in place and it is not just for use during public holidays or school breaks. I call on those in charge to consistently monitor all high-risk areas,” she said.
Jamaliah was met after officiating the ‘Malar Hijau Semaian 33,333 Anak Benih Berembang’ event at the Fireflies Sanctuary in Kampung Kuantan here last night.
In March, the 82nd National Council for Local Government meeting held at Parliament approved the Guidelines for Campsite Planning as a guide for ensuring safe, sustainable, and legally compliant campsites.
The document, meant for users, operators, and local authorities focuses on three main aspects, namely site planning, development and monitoring mechanisms, and campsite operational management.
This comes after the landslide tragedy at the Father’s Organic Farm camping site in Gohtong Jaya, Batang Kali, on December 16 last year, which claimed 31 lives.
