COMMENT | Campsite disaster signal to improve adventure industry

COMMENT | So, as usual, after a disaster, there will be a spate of official “actions”, or rather “reactions”. And the landslide that hit the campsite at Batang Kali, Selangor has been no different.

I am sure most have good intentions over a disaster that has shocked the country. But could some of the new ministers have jumped the gun a wee bit too fast in their eagerness to perform their duties?

For example, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming from DAP announced the campsite that got hit was unlicensed and the operators face up to three years jail and/or a RM50,000 fine.

Not true, said Selangor state executive councillor in charge of tourism and environment Hee Loy Sian from PKR. He said the state “has no specific guidelines” on setting up tents on private land.

He added that camping now needs to be regulated as it became a mass tourism activity only after the Covid lockdowns.

So, who is correct? The DAP or PKR man? Since land is a state matter, are the latter’s views more relevant?

It’s also pertinent to ask...