Popularity of Janda Baik attacts many campers

During weekends you can see campers pitching their tents almost everywhere along the beautiful river banks in Janda Baik. I think it is done on first come first serve basis and any space as near to the water's edge appear to be the more popular choice. There are also several camp sites put up by the land owners here but free river reserves appear to be the more popular option.

While it is encouraging to see more Malaysians are taking up the government encouragement to spend more time on recreation with their famailies during weekends and prolonged holidays, healthy past times and outings must also be done in a more civilised and safe way.

Camping along wooded river banks is both romantic and idealistic but it can also open to some unexpected dangers. One is the possibilty of flash floods if there is a heavy and prolong downpour in the upper catchment of the river as has recently happened in Trengganu where some picknikers at a waterfall were drowned. Without proper sanitaion faclities, campers may also pollute the rivers whereas many households there depend on river water for domestic use.

In conclusion, while I am all for this concept of inexpensive outing with the family in the ideallyic setting of rocky mountain streams, I srongly suggest that properly established campsites with complete facilities including hygenic toilets be used by all.

MSAbdullah.