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HULU SELANGOR: The three campsites buried by a landslide in Batang Kali that has claimed 16 lives so far, were unlicensed, says local government and development minister Nga Kor Ming.

The campsite operators face a jail term of up to three years and/or a RM50,000 fine, if convicted.

Nga confirmed that the operators were permitted to open organic farms, but had not put in an application to set up campsites.

He said he had informed the 155 local authorities nationwide to clear all campsites near rivers for seven days effective immediately.

He said the government would be working with the Malaysian meteorological department to see if these campsites were at risk, and advised campsite operators to engage with the mineral and geoscience department to review their land structure.

The landslide occurred at several campsites near Genting Highlands early in the morning. Those most affected were River Hilltop, Farmview, and River Side.

While most of the campers have been accounted for, search and rescue operations are still under way for over a dozen victims.

The death toll has risen to 16 as of 1pm, with a total of 61 people rescued.