CAMPSITE operators have been advised to follow weather reports and to stop camping activities on their sites during the monsoon season.  

Asia Camp Sdn Bhd proprietor Azizan Yunus said they were advised by the National Disaster Management Agency to keep tabs on weather forecasts.

“If we receive any warning of bad weather from the Meteorological Department then we will stop activities. 

“We will then inform customers to postpone their visit to our sites to another day,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Azizan said if anyone was stranded at their sites during bad weather, they would put them up in hostels.

“It’s our social responsibility to ensure they are taken care of. Because this month the risk of bad weather is high.”

On December 16, 2022, the landslide at Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali, Selangor killed 31 people. Others escaped unhurt or had minor injuries. 

Azizan said their clients were also wary of the monsoon season.

“Because for this month, we tell clients they can’t do any river activities, jungle trekking or other activities depending on the weather.”

Azizan said their camping locations could accommodate about 20 to 25 tents of various sizes.

He said they received more than 40 campers per week at their sites in Hulu Yam, Hulu Langat, Kuala Kubu Baru, and a new area in Tanjung Karang village.

“Our clients are families, school children, corporate people, university students, and others.

“They come here for leisure, team building, and social skills development.

“So far, for outdoor camping, we only expect about 50% bookings for December.”

“Our peak period is in February where we already got bookings for Gua Kepayang in Taman Negara.

“The clients are from the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and South Korea, who will be camping in the caves. 

“Usually during monsoon, we experience an 80% drop in clients from Europe.”

He added that the authorities had stopped all overnight camping in Taman Negara until January 15. 

“But other activities are allowed except for overnight stays.

“Visitors are not allowed hike up Gunung Tahan during the same period.”

Another operator, Nur Lembah Pangsun Eco Resort manager Faisal Hassan said they would be monitoring the weather and would stop all outdoor activity if it worsened as they prioritised their clients’ safety.

“We also advised our clients to check the weather forecast for the days they want to come here. If they are comfortable then they can make bookings.

“But even though we all check the weather conditions it can change at any given time, so we need to be cautious.”

Faisal said they were experiencing slow business now.

“Last year, during monsoon season for camping our business dropped by 30%. 

“We don’t expect much business in the next two months, but we expect it to improve from March onwards.

“However, in the last four months there was a slight increase in business of about 10% before the monsoon season.”

The campsite, which is located in Hulu Langat, can accommodate around 10 tents.

Chalets and hostels can also be booked there.

Faisal added that they offered activities such as obstacle courses, jungle trekking, treasure hunts, and pond rafting. – December 3, 2023.