Ampang camp site operator taking extra precautions following Batang Kali landslide

PETALING JAYA: A camp site operator in Ampang Jaya is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of campers following the landslide in Batang Kali early Friday (Dec 16).

Arzat Khairudin, who operates KV @ Kemensah Valley Recreation & Chalet, in Kampung Kemensah, said that they had taken extra measures by ensuring campsites and chalets near slopes and the river are not rented out.

“So far, we have not been told to close and are still open.

“There have been no cases of landslides here previously, and the river here is quite shallow. But, we are taking preventive measures after the incident this morning,” he said when contacted.

Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Najmuddin Jemain said they were awaiting further instructions from the state government if campsite operators will have to cease operations.

“Most of the campsites in Kajang and Hulu Langat are in forested areas, which fall under the purview of the Forestry Department.

“While there are no specific directions yet, we are all in standby mode for any possibility of unwanted events.

“We are also anticipating any specific orders from the state, if needed. Likewise we will advise them to operate with suitable measures,” he said.

The Selangor Forestry Department had previously issued a directive saying that all hiking and recreational activities at permanent forest reserves (HSK) in Selangor had been halted since Nov 1, in anticipation of the rainy season.

The department had issued a notice in October stating that the forest reserves would be closed until Jan 31 as a precautionary measure to avoid any potential incidents or accidents following the rainy weather.

It was earlier reported that all outdoor activities, including camping, around Batang Kali had been ordered to stop immediately following the landslide.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Hulu Selangor OCPD has issued the directive to all nearby campsites and locations.

He said that outdoor activities around the landslide area must stop immediately while other campsites had been ordered to stop receiving new customers and visitors.