Friday, December 16, 2022

Penang to look into regulating campsites after fatal Batang Kali landslide in Selangor




Penang to look into regulating campsites after fatal Batang Kali landslide in Selangor




Yeoh said he has instructed Penang local councils to conduct a study on the number of campsites in the state and whether these places have permits or not. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Friday, 16 Dec 2022 3:14 PM MYT



GEORGE TOWN, Dec 16 — The Penang government plans to come up with guidelines for campsites in the state as a safety measure against any untoward incidents, after a pre-dawn landslide in Selangor claimed the lives of over 10 people.

Yeoh Soon Hin, the state tourism and creative economy committee chairman, said he has instructed Penang local councils to conduct a study on the number of campsites in the state and whether these places have permits or not.


“Generally, as a rule, any development, with structures for campsites, will need approvals from the local councils,” he said.

He said both city councils will need to conduct a study on the number of campsites in the state and to see if there are any guidelines governing these sites.


Meanwhile, when contacted, Penang Island City Council Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said he has given instructions to check on the campsites under the city council, such as the one at the Youth Park, to ensure it is safe for campers.


kt comments: Many may not know this but when I was a kid there was a Boys Remand (Boarding) School at what is now the Youth Park. Naughty uncontrollable boys were sent there to be disciplined and educated.

I know because one of my cousins was sent there, wakakaka. He was not a bad lad per se but his Guardian (or rather, the husband of his guardian, his auntie) didn't like him and accused him of unruliness and being uncontrollable. 

One night there was a mighty landslide just next to the hostel and a very very humongous boulder slid down from the hill and into the hostel. Fortunately by then, the residents (boys and teachers) had already evacuated because of early signs of landslide.

The School was closed down and never regain its role there. 


Earlier today, the National Disaster Management Agency confirmed a landslide had occurred at a campsite near the Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali, Selangor on the alternative road to Genting Highlands, Pahang near Gohtong Jaya.

The latest official information from the Ministry of Development and Government at 1pm put the death toll at 16, with 61 reported safe.

Searchers are still looking for 17 people.



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