VOLUNTEERS and civil society groups are not allowed to assist the search and rescue (SAR) at the Batang Kali landslide site as it is unsuitable for the public and potentially dangerous, according to Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

He said the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, as the agency heading the operation, would determine who is allowed into the search area.

“Otherwise, it will create a chaotic situation due to the large search area,” he told reporters at the location tonight.

Meanwhile, an Information Department spokesman said that following a discussion with the police, only official government media will be allowed to enter the search location to the ‘red zone’ to take photographs throughout the operation beginning tonight.

He said that the department and the police would issue a schedule tomorrow allowing photographers from other media agencies to enter the location in turns.

This follows requests by photographers on duty about the difficulties they encountered in obtaining good visuals.

Meanwhile, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis said that the ban was for the public’s own safety, as conditions in the area were dangerous.

He said only trained rescue personnel were allowed into the red zone in accordance with instructions set by the National Security Council.

“For instance, in this area, the soil structure is soft and if it rains, there might be a landslide, so this situation requires specialised training and our readiness to face tough and unexpected situations.

“That’s why we require skilled personnel with good physical fitness to operate here,” he told Bernama.

He said volunteers could provide assistance outside the search area. – Bernama, December 17, 2022.