THE Selangor government intends to create a "minimum but mandatory" standard in drawing up regulations governing campsites in the state.
In a statement, state local government committee chairman Ng Sze Han said these standards would have to be followed by campsite operators as it formulates guidelines for camping activities.
He said the state was hosting a three-day townhall and workshop session with relevant stakeholders to obtain feedback as it drafts the guidelines. Selangor currently has no specific guidelines to regulate campsites.
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"These guidelines must be comprehensive, taking into account the different types of camping sites, planning and approval of camping activities, risks and safety as well as the legality of licensing camping activities.
"The state’s focus will be on facilities and services that are offered by camping operators, as well as the location of these sites," he said.
He added that the town hall session, which started on Sunday (Jan 29), comprised participants from 16 various ministries and agencies including the Local Government Development Ministry, Public Works Department, PlanMalaysia@ Selangor, Selangor district and land office, Hulu Selangor Municipal Council, the Forestry Department as well as Tourism Selangor.
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Camping industry associations and representatives were also taking part in the session, including the Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association, Campsite Owners Hulu Selangor, Family Camping Malaysia, Malaysia Camping Association and The Nest @ Maeps MARDI Serdang.
"I hope after this workshop, we will be able to present the guidelines to the state for further consideration and approval," added Ng.
This follows the tragic landslide at Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali on Dec 16 that killed 31 people.
The incident had led to calls for more action to stop another similar disaster from happening.
