THERE were no new findings on the third day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation at the landslide that hit the Father’s Organic Farm campsite in Batang Kali. 

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said that the SAR teams were looking for the remaining nine people but the operation was suspended temporarily as of 6pm due to weather conditions.

He said from 9am today, rescuers used excavators to remove the initial 3-4ft of soil and debris and make it easier to locate the victims.

“After the excavating team stops, we check either manually or using the K9 units. If there are any signs of victims, then we continue to dig slowly and carefully,” he said.

He added that the excavating process was monitored by a member of the rescue team, who would provide guidance and instruction, and that more excavators might be added to the eight that were onsite if necessary.

Norazam also said the rescuers were using two ground penetrating radar machines from the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to assist with locating victims.

The landslide occurred at 2.42am on Friday, resulting in the death of 24 people, with nine still missing. Some 61 people survived.

Meanwhile, Nadma said in a statement today that the autopsies for 24 victims have been completed and a combination of three processes – DNA testing, fingerprint testing and confirmation by next-of-kin – were used to identify the bodies.

The identities of three of the dead have yet to be confirmed, while three survivors, two men and a woman, are still being treated at Kuala Lumpur Hospital and Selayang Hospital.

In addition, Hulu Selangor police chief Suffian Abdullah said that the police were questioning the owner of the campsite along with two workers, adding that other involved parties might also be called in the process of the investigation.

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming had previously said that the campsite was operating without a licence. – Bernama, December 18, 2022.