Batang Kali landslide: Search and rescue operation officially ends

HULU SELANGOR: The search and rescue (SAR) operation at the landslide in Father’s Organic Farm officially ended at 12pm Sunday (Dec 25) following the discovery of the last victim on Saturday (Dec 24).

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani (pic) said with the conclusion of the SAR, the operation centre consisting of various agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, the police and the Armed Forces will also close at the same time.

“We have concluded that the total victims are 92.

“A total of 61 victims were rescued while 31 victims were killed in the landslide,” he told reporters at the operation centre in Batang Kali on Sunday.

Acryl Sani said while the last victim was discovered on Saturday (Dec 24), the Fire and Rescue Department had conducted flushing and sweeping of the ground zero until Sunday morning.

“As for the SAR team, their duties are concluded.

“There are no other victims still missing,” he said.

However, agencies such as the Public Works Department and the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council would still be on hand to conduct technical works at ground zero and surrounding areas, the IGP said.

Acryl Sani also thanked all the agencies involved in the SAR operation since the beginning of the tragedy on Dec 16.

“I believe each agency played their part admirably, in line with the National Security Council directive ( MKN20).

“There was no overlapping in duties or redundancy. It can be a template for future SAR operations as all agencies cooperate effectively and function as one team,” he said.