Seven victims are still missing following the landslide near Batang Kali.
PETALING JAYA: The agriculture department has denied claims it told Father’s Organic Farm where a deadly landslide occurred that it was not necessary to apply for a campsite licence.
The department said it never discussed the matter with the campsite operator as it was out of its jurisdiction, Bernama reported.
It said its role was only to provide advisory services related to the process and methods to obtain the Malaysian Organic Scheme certification (myOrganic) as well as visits related to the certification at Father’s Organic Farm.
“The department does not have the authority to grant permits, licences or advisory services to operators that offer campsites,” it was quoted as saying.
The department was responding to an article by The Vibes which quoted the campsite spokesman Frankie Tan as saying that various government entities, such as the agriculture department, had said it was unnecessary for campsite managers to apply for site licences.
In denying the allegation, the department said its role was to provide agricultural development services in the production of sufficient, quality and safe food items.
It also protects the country’s agricultural industry from pests and diseases.
The 2.42am landslide tragedy near Batang Kali on Dec 16 has claimed 26 lives to date.
Separately, Bernama reported that the search and rescue operation for the remaining seven victims was halted tonight over safety concerns.
It will resume at 8am tomorrow, according to the police.
Meanwhile, The Star reported that four members of a family from Machap Umboo, who were among killed in the landslide had been identified.
