By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, June 18 — Campsites and ecotourism in Selangor may soon be subject to stricter regulations, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.
The state government is looking to introduce a more targeted licensing framework amid a surge in campsite operators, with between 150 and 250 said to be operating as of last year, The Star reported.
State executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said the Campsite Planning Guidelines (GPP) is being implemented in phases by local councils, in terms of 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 statement.
The GPP, which was developed by PLANMalaysia and adopted by Selangor in October last year, outlines six core planning principles: safety, comfort, sustainability, social continuity, economic prosperity, and legal compliance.
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A jetskier in action in the runabout four-stroke open category at the 9th Kundang Jet Sports Geopark Championship 2024 at Tasik Biru Kundang, Selayang, on September 22, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Ng noted that there is no licensing system for ecotourism businesses, although campsites, chalets and ATV operations are subject to local authority business licences and technical requirements from government agencies.
“The state is reviewing the need for more specific licensing classifications for activities in sensitive areas,” he said.
Ng was responding to recent reports by The Star on rising concern over unchecked commercial activities along Sungai Kemensah in Hulu Kelang, where food stalls, chalets, and other businesses operate nearby or in the river.
The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council confirmed none of the 70 businesses in Kampung Kemensah had proper licences, but said it has long-term plans to register these operations.
To ensure tourism development aligns with both economic goals and environmental conservation, Ng reportedly said the state has detailed several regulatory measures.
“We want to balance environmental protection with sustainable tourism. Key measures include requiring environmental impact assessments for large-scale projects and obtaining environmental sensitivity zoning through the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas).
“There are also strict planning conditions for development approvals,” he said, adding that state-led initiatives like the development of geoparks are efforts to promote tourism while preserving ecological and geological heritage.
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The Sungai Gabai Waterfall, at the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark, in the Sungai Lalang Forest Reserve has scientific, recreational and aesthetic heritage value. — Picture via FACEBOOK/GOMBAK-HULU LANGAT GEOPARK[/caption]
Ng was quoted as saying that the state is developing a digital system that consolidates data from various agencies, including Tourism Selangor, the Forestry Department, Luas, and local authorities.
He acknowledged the strain on popular ecotourism sites and said the government is exploring appropriate safeguards, including limits on the number of daily visitors to certain areas and freezing new licence approvals in “overburdened locations”.
“We are also reassessing existing operations in places that lack adequate facilities,” he said.
According to Ng, many ecotourism activities and campsites in Selangor are concentrated in Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat, Gombak and Kuala Selangor.
