PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered a search and rescue mission to be carried out systematically by all government departments following the landslide in Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands that has so far claimed eight lives. 

Anwar said he had received information on the incident from the local government development, natural resources, environment, and climate change ministries and the Selangor menteri besar regarding the search and rescue mission. 

“I’m shocked by the landslide incident at Batang Kali. 

“I was also informed that the ministers involved will visit the area this morning. However, I advise them not to interfere with search and rescue work,” the prime minister said in a statement. 

Anwar also urged Malaysians to pray for the success of the rescue mission and would visit the site tonight. 

According to a tweet from the National Disaster Management Agency, a total of 92 victims have been found, 53 escaping the landslide unharmed while seven were injured and eight died. The rescue operation is ongoing. 

The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 2.24am about the landslide at Father Organic Farm, Jalan Genting, Batang Kali. 

The teams from Kuala Kubu Baru, Rawang, and Genting Highlands were dispatched to the scene and arrived at 3.04am. 

The incident happened at the side of the road near Father Organic Farm and hit the campsite that was close by.  

The height of the landslide was estimated to be 30m around a one-acre area. – December 16, 2022.