Minister Says Batang Kali Campsite Is Illegal, But State Exco Says It’s Not
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.
The campsite involved in the landslide tragedy in Batang Kali operates without a license and violates Act 133 of the Drainage and Building Act.
The Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the entrepreneurs only have permission to plan to build an organic farm.
He said offenders are liable to a penalty of not more than RM50,000 and imprisonment of not more than three years under Act 133 of the Street, Drainage, and Buildings Act 1974.
However, state Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Indigenous Affairs Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian begged to differ.
China Press quoted him as saying there are no regulations to control campsites at this stage.
The reason is that this is not a permanent structure, and there is no need to apply for additional licenses to set up campsites.
He pointed out that the location where the tragedy occurred is private land that has obtained a development permit (KM) from the local council.
Heads Must Roll
Meanwhile, netizens said Hee should take responsibility as he is the exco in charge of tourism activities.
Hee Loy Sian is a shameless character. https://t.co/FpBkopBsZ2
— FreeMalaysian (@FreeMsian) December 16, 2022
Should @heeloysian Selangor State Exco for Tourism, Environment, Green Technology & Orang Asli Affairs resign over the Batang Kali tragedy? #BatangKaliLandslide #Selangor
— Sharaad C. Kuttan (@SharaadKuttan) December 16, 2022
At the same time, some said the campsite operators should not be blamed entirely because there is a lack of guidelines.
@NgaKorMing macam mana nak mohon lesen aktiviti perkhemahan? Adakah KPKT menyediakan garis panduan untuk cara memohon lesen tersebut? Saya dah cari di laman beberapa laman majlis perbandaran, tak jumpa. Siapa yang tentukan keselamatan tapak? Bomba? https://t.co/LK3mtX2agO
— Ooi Beng Cheang (@luxentX) December 16, 2022
YB @NgaKorMing adakah anda pasti bahawa terdapat lesen perniagaan kategori campsite yang boleh dipohon?
— Peter Chong (@PeterCh99405769) December 16, 2022
Others said that the disaster would have happened even if the campsite had been licensed as it was an act of God.
@NgaKorMing since when does camping need licenses? It's hard if everything needs a license and we can't even enjoy nature. This thing happened due to fate don't blame it on other things.
— Kim (@hakimslik74) December 16, 2022
At the same time, it was pointed out that the license was for farming activities, not camping.
Baca betul2… They only have license for farming not campside… Persoalannya kenapa tak pi spot check saper2 yg dah diberi lesen.. Sptmana lesen halal dibagi.. Tetapla kena buat spot check… Tu nama keje tu kuatkuasa.. Kalau tak keje tu namanya pembagi lesen…
— Emma (@mrose76) December 16, 2022
The death toll currently stands at 21, with a total of 61 people having been rescued while the search is ongoing for 12 others.
READ MORE: Batang Kali Landslide: Death Toll At 21, PM Announces Cash Aid For Victims’ Families
Meanwhile, survivors recall the harrowing ordeal which happened when they were asleep at night.
Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
