Experts: Do your homework before going camping

GEORGE TOWN: Avoid camping near hillslopes or in low-lying areas near rivers where water surges could happen.

Always watch the weather when planning and check again before heading out for camping activities, according to seasoned campers.

“Do your due diligence and make sure you evaluate the risk of the place you are going to,” said Shamsul Nazhar Shamsi, 39, who has camped in many places all over the country.

“Doing it at the right place is very important. Many want to have great views when choosing a campsite but that will come with risks.

“Avoid campsites that are close to hillslopes or riversides where a water surge phenomenon could happen.

“Always be aware of the current weather conditions. If the weather is not ideal, postpone the trip to another date,” he added.

Besides equipping oneself with basic camping tools and gear, one should also bring along a life jacket, an electric torch and a first aid kit.

Another seasoned camper, who only wanted to be known as Rocky, said campers should always keep the authorities informed so that help could be rendered quickly in the event of an emergency.

“Inform the ranger or police if you are going to camp in the jungle.

“If you plan to camp at the National Park, get a permit before going into the jungle,” he said.

At Penang Hill, hikers are advised not to do any hiking or camping at the hilltop during the rainy season.

Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said PHC’s maintenance team would constantly monitor areas for possible landslides all year round.

“Our team also conducts weather monitoring through our own weather station.

“Fewer than five minor landslides were reported in Penang Hill since early this year.

“We have taken immediate measures and advised those who want to hike or camp on the hill not to do so during the rainy season,” he said, adding that the areas where minor landslides or erosion took place had been covered with tarpaulin sheets.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman expressed shock over the landslide tragedy in Batang Kali, adding that a Commission of Inquiry must be conducted to get to the root causes and for preventive and remedial measures to be carried out.

“Time and again, we have warned about allowing earthworks and other forms of activities on highlands and hillslopes which are environmentally sensitive areas.

“The root causes of the tragedy must be investigated and publicly disclosed,” Meenakshi said in a statement.

She also called on the government to expedite the National Adaptation Plan to understand the high-risk areas that were vulnerable to climate impacts and take urgent measures to build climate resilience.