MBI directing that camping and recreational activities be suspended

By Rosli Mansor

In view of the landslide tragedy involving the camp site at Father’s Organic Farm, Batang Kali, Selangor yesterday morning, the Ipoh City Council (MBI) issued instructions to all tourism operators to temporarily stop operations, especially camping activities.

The Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud said since the beginning of last November, the MBI has identified a number of locations at risk including the Recreational Forests of Kledang Saiong Eco Park, Meru and Bukit Bakong, Chemor.

“This closure is a precautionary measure to prevent visitors from being trapped by landslides.

“This action is also on advice from the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, who stated that the soil in the areas identified as having a relatively soft soil structure due to relatively high rainfall and risk,” he told the media after the Battle Of The Buskers Final Round Ceremony at Lorong Seni @Lorong Panglima in Ipoh, today.

The landslide tragedy claimed 21 lives out of a total of 94 victims and got the attention of the Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The ministry urges all camping sites and recreational areas near highlands and rivers throughout the country to be evacuated immediately to avoid risks to visitors.