KUALA LUMPUR: The recently declassified Batang Kali landslide investigative report did not bring closure to a survivor.
Earlier today, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) made the full forensic report public, ruling out any anthropogenic, or human activity that contributed to the tragedy.
Wong Wai Foong, one of the campers who survived the tragedy said the report raised more questions, particularly on how the camp resort was allowed to operate.
He said the information disclosed on how the landslide was formed brought little assurance compared to what survivors had to endure.
"The purpose of the land where the landslide had occurred was mentioned (in the forensic report) that it was meant for agriculture and definitely not for camping.
"Did the owner of the land know about it?
"Who was responsible for actually running the campsite?"
Wong further stressed his hopes for the authorities to clear this specific doubt.
The following are the chronological details of the planning permissions of the disaster-prone area based on the forensic reports:
February 2006: State Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) applied to Hulu Selangor District Council (MDHS) for Malaysia Botanical Gardens Resort development.
September 2012: MDHS submitted the preliminary comment, which needed to be referred to the Selangor Environmentally Sensitive Areas Development Committee (JTPKSAS).
February 2016: JTPKSAS meeting decides to suspend application as the proposal needed to be referred to the state authorities based on the Town and Country Planning Department's (PlanMalaysia) National Physical Planning 2, which prohibits development on high ground exceeding 1,000 meters from sea level.
October 2016: Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) allowed development on high ground, subject to zoning compliance.
October 2016: JTPKSAS rejects the application, citing land use conditions that are only used for agriculture.
May 2017: Planning Permission application resubmitted to MDHS, withdrawn due to various issues. Among them were obtaining approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Selangor Department of Environment.
July 2019: The Selangor State Water Resource Management Special Select Committee (JPKSAS) Committee Meeting approves development.
November 2019: Malaysia Botanical Garden Resort Sdn Bhd submitted a plan to develop a resort. Under the plan there are three development components: Commercial, botanical garden and facilities
December 2019: MDHS approved the planning permission for Malaysia Botanical Garden Resort Sdn Bhd.
The Batang Kali landslide occurred in the early hours of Dec 16, 2022 affecting 92 people where most of them were campers who were on an overnight excursion at the Father's Organic Farm.
It was described as the worst landslide in Malaysia that year.