THE Penang government has ordered all camping sites in the state to temporarily cease operations to prevent any untoward incidents following the landslide tragedy at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite, in Gohtong Jaya, Batang Kali, Selangor.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the measure was taken on the instruction of Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming to close all campsites near rivers and vulnerable sites nationwide for seven days with immediate effect after the tragedy.

“We request all campsite owners in Penang, whether registered with the local authorities or not, to temporarily close due to safety factors and instructions from the Local Government Development Ministry.

“There are indeed many violations of the law throughout the country for taking up any kind of activity without a permit, including campsites, but this category (campsites) has not been detected in Penang,” he told reporters after attending the Penang 2nd Bridge PDRM 2022 Solidarity Fun Ride last night.

Chow added that campsites at Suling Hill in Seberang Perai Tengah and Taman Bandaraya have been ordered cease all activities immediately yesterday because of the hillside risks involved during the current period of heavy rainfall. – Bernama, December 18, 2022.