‘Tidak apa’ attitude is dangerous, say nature enthusiasts

PETALING JAYA: Many people still lack awareness of safety preparations before embarking on camping or outdoor activities, enthusiasts say.

Urban Preppers Malaysia founder Nik Muhammad Hafiz said people were often caught off-guard when disaster struck due to a “tidak apa” (lackadaisical) attitude.

“We are not prepared for disaster management because we don’t pay attention to our surroundings.

“We always assume things are going to be fine and choose not to prepare for things because of our mentality. This puts us and our family in danger,” he told The Star yesterday.

Nik Muhammad, who runs a Facebook group that helps people with preparedness, was responding to the Batang Kali landslide tragedy.

Before going anywhere – be it camping or hiking – it is vital to take note of the weather, prepare a first aid kit and keep emergency supplies handy, he said.

He also noted that the monsoon season was ongoing and there had been weather forecasts of thunderstorms and non-stop rain that may lead to floods and landslides.

“This is something the campsite operator should have been sensitive to.

“If you notice a river is suddenly filled with debris and the current is changing, these are signs of something happening. This is the time to quickly get out and run to safety,” he added.

Camping Malaysia and nature enthusiast Stefen Cheng said many people did not pack properly or wear appropriate gear for outdoor activities.

“It has become like a lifestyle thing and people go to these glamping (a portmanteau of ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’) places to update their social media.

“When people ask me to go camping during the monsoon season, it is a big no-no because I have seen how high the water can rise during the rainy season,” he added.

Cheng said it was high time for strict guidelines to be put in place for such places, especially those operating during the rainy season.

Citing the island resorts on the east coast, which had chosen to close during the monsoon season, he said other operators should have done the same.