By Faizal Nazaruddin
SHAH ALAM, Dec 21 — Any business activities, including camping, carried out by any establishments must obtain a permit from the local authorities.
The Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (MPHS) said in a Facebook post that entrepreneurs need to ensure that businesses run parallel with the approval of planning permission obtained.
The local authority asserted that camping activities are outdoor or extended recreational activities carried out by hotels or resorts, which require referrals to the relevant departments for consideration.
“For licensing as per the Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing Bylaws (MDHS) 2007, the Council is allowed to consider an application for ‘camping activities’.
“(It) is also subject to an application for private recreation centre licence but depending on the conditions given during the planning permission approval,” said MPHS.
The statement was issued in response to a Malaysiakini report regarding the Father’s Organic Farm campsite operator in Batang Kali, who claimed he could not apply for a licence because the permit does not exist.
The campsite was hit with a landslide last Friday with 61 people saved from 94 victims, while 26 perished with seven more still missing.
Meanwhile, MPHS said specific and clear policies need to be established for leisure activities including camping, which are gaining popularity in Malaysia.
“Specific and clear policies need to be established to ensure these activities can be carried out legally and in accordance with standard operating procedures,” it said.
