Selangor stepping up campsite regulations
Selangor currently does not have a specific licence for eco-tourism businesses, but campsites, chalets and other recreational activities still require approval from the local authorities. — Filepic
State may introduce targeted licensing framework for eco-sensitive zones
Selangor government is intensifying efforts to regulate campsites and eco-tourism activities, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas.
It is also considering a more targeted licensing framework in these zones.
This move is prompted by the increasing number of campsite operators, estimated to be between 150 and 250 as of 2024.
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said a key measure was the phased implementation of the Campsite Planning Guidelines (GPP).
'Local authorities are currently implementing the GPP in phases, particularly for evaluating new applications and enforcing compliance among existing operators.
'The GPP serves as the foundation for planning approval and operational control of campsites,' he said in a written statement to StarMetro.
Ng says the government is looking at measures to protect popular eco-tourism sites. The GPP outlines six core planning principles that include safety, comfort, sustainability, social continuity and economic prosperity, he said.
The GPP was developed by the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) and adopted by the state in October last year.
Ng said there was currently no specific licensing system for 'eco-tourism' businesses.
'However, activities such as campsites, chalets and ATV operations are still subject to local authority business licences and must comply with technical requirements from agencies such as the Environment Department and Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS).
'The state is reviewing the need for more specific licensing classifications for activities in sensitive areas,' he added.
His comments are in response to StarMetro's reports highlighting concerns over commercialisation along Sungai Kemensah in Hulu Kelang.
In a series of articles, StarMetro reported that food operators, chalets and other businesses were operating near and even in the river.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) informed StarMetro that none of the 70 businesses in Kampung Kemensah were licensed.
Nevertheless, MPAJ has long-term plans to regulate and legalise these businesses through a formal whitelisting programme.
According to Ng, many of these campsites and eco-tourism activities were concentrated in Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat, Gombak and Kuala Selangor.
The state has implemented measures to ensure tourism development aligns with both economic and conservation goals.
'We want to balance environmental protection with sustainable tourism,' said Ng.
'Key measures include requiring environmental impact assessments (EIA) for large-scale projects and obtaining environmental sensitivity zoning through LUAS.
'There are also strict planning conditions during development approvals,' he said.
'Additionally, the state is coordinating projects like geoparks to promote tourism while safeguarding ecological and geological heritage.'
While no centralised tourism operator database existed yet, he said efforts were underway to create a digital system that included both licensed and unlicensed businesses.
'Tourism Selangor, the Forestry Department, LUAS and local authorities each have their lists.
'We are working on an integrated digital system,' said Ng.
Regarding the stresses placed on popular eco-tourism sites, he said, 'The government is aware of the issue and is looking into appropriate safeguards.
'Among the options being discussed are limiting the number of daily visitors to certain areas and temporarily freezing new licence approvals in overburdened locations.
'We are also reassessing existing operations in places that lack adequate facilities.'
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