Shortcomings in the running of the Gunung Pulai recreational forest, as listed in the Auditor-General's Report 2012, prove that the Johor government and state Forestry Department are not serious about turning Gunung Pulai into a renowned recreational destination, says Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching.

The recently-released audit report, among others, says concrete campsites constructed by the Johor Forestry Department, to the tune of RM7,500 in 2010, to draw in campers to Gunung Pulai 2 recreational forest park, were found to have been built on unsuitable locations.

The 15 concrete campsites were found to be built in places with no nearby source of clean water and were not provided with tables and chairs, surau, lamps and bathing or changing rooms for visitors.

In fact, the audit report says, only one toilet was found at the forest park, which is located near its entrance. Visitors would find steps and trails leading up the mountain blocked by fallen plants.

Teo said what the audit had shown was the failure of the state and  the forestry department in maintaining the forest reserves.

"I urge (the government) to ensure that the facilities and cleanliness of Gunung Pulai is taken care of in order to make it a good tourist attraction.

"There should be scheduled garbage collection akan a blanket ban on open burning in the area to avoid polluting the forest," she said.