Roadside shops selling various items are among the business types targeted under the whitelisting programme. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
NONE of the 70 businesses currently operating in Kampung Kemensah, Hulu Kelang, Selangor are licensed, because of zoning restrictions and land status issues, according to Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).
Despite this, MPAJ said it had long-term plans to regulate and license these businesses through a formal whitelisting programme aimed at introducing a proper regulatory framework.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the initiative intended to bring recreational, tourism and commercial activities in the area under official oversight.
A census conducted in October last year by MPAJ’s Licensing and Entrepreneur Development Department identified 14 types of business operations along Sungai Kemensah, including all-terrain vehicle (ATV) services, chalets, restaurants, farms and retail shops.
“None of the 70 businesses have valid licences from MPAJ.
“Licensing is difficult because of issues involving land status and zoning restrictions, as the area is primarily designated for agricultural and residential use,” he said in an interview with StarMetro.
Even so, he said MPAJ was taking a “way forward” approach, acknowledging the area’s strong potential for recreational and eco-tourism activities.
Hasrolnizam says licensing is difficult because of land status issues and zoning restrictions.
In January, a proposal was submitted to Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) seeking approval for the issuance of conditional temporary business licences and business legalisation guidelines.
The state government approved the proposal in principle and MPAJ is now drafting the operational framework.
MPAJ is also currently conducting detailed fieldwork to map the locations, sizes and land ownership status of all the businesses.
Many are located on land not zoned for commercial use, further complicating the licensing process.
Hasrolnizam noted that coordination was ongoing with various agencies, including the Forestry Department, Selangor Town and Country Planning Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) and Gombak Land Office.
He stressed that the key concern was ensuring that business operations do not negatively impact the environment, particularly the river ecosystem.
“This includes proper management of wastewater, rubbish disposal and ensuring the safety of visitors.
“The guidelines currently being drafted will stipulate these requirements and businesses will be required to comply in order to be licensed.
“We expect to complete the next phase of field assessments and begin engaging with operators by July or August,” he said, adding that the target was to issue conditional licences before 2026.
Operators will be required to adhere to strict conditions, including proper sewerage systems, waste management, limited operating hours and approved structural use.
Modifications to existing structures would not be allowed unless deemed necessary for the function of the business, he said.
MPAJ will also require clear records and data management from all operators.
Hasrolnizam added that campsite operators would have to adhere to the campsite planning guidelines, prepared by the Town and Country Planning Department.
To date, six operators in Kampung Kemensah have registered their businesses with MPAJ.
Addressing concerns about riverbank modifications and structures built along the river, the former LUAS director clarified that such activities were not explicitly prohibited.
“Take Section 43 of the Luas Enactment 1999 for example, which outlines the powers of the director over river reserve zones and coastal areas.
“The provision is worded in a way that permits modifications, but only with written approval from the relevant authority.
“People want to interact with the river, to be close to it. Our role is to manage that interaction responsibly,” he said.
He noted that some ongoing activities in Kampung Kemensah required refinement in terms of structure, operation and location.
“With proper guidelines in place, operators will have a clear path forward and MPAJ will take action against those who do not comply,” he added.
On enforcement, MPAJ has issued 12 compounds and carried out 13 seizures between 2021 and 2025.
The most common offences included operating without a valid business licence and discharging waste into the river.
Violations were recorded under MPAJ Licensing By-laws (2007), Hawker By-laws (2007), Food Establishment By-laws (2007), Local Government Act 1976, and Roads, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
Hasrolnizam said the area’s potential as an eco-tourism hub remained high, with MPAJ working with the Selangor Geopark Tourism Taskforce.
“Under MPAJ Local Plan 2035 (Replacement), Kampung Kemensah is zoned primarily for agriculture and housing, but areas with existing business activity have been identified for potential designation as tourism zones.
“The village is also part of the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHLGp) and its development could support future recognition under the Unesco Global Geopark programme.”
Drawing from international examples such as the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia and the River Thames in London, England, he stressed that conservation and public use could co-exist when properly managed.
“Preservation does not mean complete restriction.
“The key lies in sustainable use and striking a balance between access and protection,” he said. — By BAVANI M and SHALINI RAVINDRAN
