THE chances of finding more survivors of the Batang Kali landslide are becoming slim, said Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis. 

Norazam said the search and rescue (SAR) operation was in its second day and he did not rule out the possibility that the remaining victims might have run out of oxygen after being buried under the soil. 

“Based on a rough observation, the chances (of survival) are very slim. 

“But if they are stuck in between trees and rocks where there are openings, they might be able to breathe,” he told a press conference at the site today. 

The authorities resumed the search around 7.30am with SAR personnel in three zones — Sector A (Hill View), Sector B (Farm View), and Sector C (Riverside).  

Norazam said the search-and-rescue operation was now focused on Sector B and Sector C. 

He said the last victim was found yesterday between the two areas. 

“Based on the last operation late Friday night, we found our last victim near Sector B and C. 

“So our search and rescue team will be focusing on those areas,” he said. 

Among those involved in the SAR were K9 tracker dog units, the Emergency Medical Rescue Service from the Sentosa, Ampang, Pandan, Kota Anggerik, Kajang and Andalas Fire and Rescue stations, as well as the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team.  

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the death toll from the Batang Kali landslide was 21 victims.  

He said rescuers were still looking for 12 other victims and hoped that they were safe.  

The total number of people on the campsite, based on the registration record by the operator, was 94.  

So far, the authorities have rescued 54 people, with seven suffering injuries requiring hospital treatment.  

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the landslide was due to slope failure.   

According to the minister, based on the data received, there was a slope failure of 500m in length, 200m wide, and 8m deep. – December 17, 2022.