PETALING JAYA: Any guideline on regulating campsite operators must include assessments of future risks as well as strong policies and enforcement, say disaster management and geology experts.
They also agreed that regulating campsite operators is the only way to prevent future landslide risks after the deadly incident at Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali.
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Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Centre director Dr Khamarrul Azahari Razak said mapping and assessing multi-hazards and risks at the local level was necessary to mitigate risks of disasters such as landslides.
“Knowing future risks (of landslides) is a critical step towards reducing its risks in existing camping or glamping sites located close to hill slopes, and rugged, riverine and mountainous terrain.
“Strong policies, enforcement and strategies too are urgently needed to address illegal operators without jeopardising the high economic demand for eco-tourism in vulnerable locations,” he said.
He advised existing operators at susceptible slopes to practise the 3Es -- early information, early decision and early action.
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“These are simple steps but are well worth towards preventing any future loss.
“This includes having the knowledge to identify landslide signs, installing early warning system at camping sites and setting up evacuation routes and assembly points, with frequent drills and flyers,” he said.
Khamarrul Azahari said regulating campsite operators was the only way to prevent future landslide risks with critically needed policies, guidelines and regulations.
“Balancing the urgent need for controlling risks and local demand to allow camping, glamping or ecotourism businesses in susceptible areas is a challenging step but a worthy investment,” he said.
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Current guidelines for hill slope development should also be reviewed by experts across all sectors, he said.
“The review is not only driven by extreme weather events and climate change but also a high demand to develop highly-sensitive areas in ecotourism businesses,” he said.
Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo said it was a “big no-no” to set up recreational camping sites near slope areas due to landslide risks.
“The main guideline (for regulations) would be to prioritise the safety of visitors. If a location is near a slope, landslide risks should be prioritised.
“Design of campsites in these areas should also be carried out via an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and with safety assessments by professionals,” said the chairman of the Academy of Professors Malaysia’s environment and sustainability cluster.
Another safety criteria, Prof Ibrahim noted, would be the risk of rapid flooding and water surges at camping sites located near lower regions of water.
Guidelines for development along hilly or sloped terrains had been set in place following incidents such as the Highland Towers tragedy in 1993 which claimed 48 lives, he said.
“The development guidelines include how foundations of high-rise buildings close to slopes are built as well as the design of houses located close to hilly terrains, among others,” he said.
On whether these guidelines would have to be revised due to climate change, Prof Ibrahim said there should still be a focus on preventing such tragedies from happening in the first place.
“These (guideline) revisions can be done but it will be difficult, especially when we look at slopes or flood-prone terrains. Prevention is always better than the cure,” he said.
Agreeing with Khamarrul that regulating private sector camping site operators was a means to ensure safer camping sites, he said this could prevent any unfortunate tragedy from recurring as it would allow for, among others, safety measures such as regular slope assessments.
“Assessments can reveal early warning signs (of landslides), such as sliding cracks and trees being moved,” he said, adding that this would then allow those in the area to take necessary precautions.
He, however, said it was still possible to carry out agricultural activities in areas with a low to medium risk of natural disasters.
“Recreational activities such as sightseeing, trail walking or even playing in rivers is also possible. Staying the night however is a big no-no given the risk of any disasters,” he said.
