TEN agencies involved in a search and rescue during the tragic Batang Kali landslide on December 16, were appreciated for their sacrifices and contributions during a special appreciation event last night.

Among the agencies involved were the Fire and Rescue Department, police, civil defence and the armed forces. 

Hulu Selangor PKR division chief Dr N. Sathia Prakash said the appreciation ceremony was organised at the Batang Kali state assembly service centre with the cooperation of family members and next-of-kin of victims who died in the tragedy.

“This is just a small token of appreciation to those involved in the SAR compared with what they have done or contributed during the tragedy. 

“I was there on the first day when the SAR started and continued to be there for a number of days and for being outside the ground zero. I know the SAR members were sad but it was absolutely a noble job done by them.

“For me, without them we would never have achieved what we did in that nine days. To find all the victims, especially when the last victim was found just a day before Christmas. It was very critical,” he told reporters after attending the ceremony.

Speaking of the close cooperation during the SAR by various government agencies, civil society groups, volunteers and media practitioners, Sathia said the cooperation shown by everybody during the tragedy, Malaysians are a closely knitted bunch.

“Therefore, we decided to organise an appreciation night to show that we as Malaysians, we don’t differentiate. We are there for everybody as Malaysians,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kuala Kubu Baru fire and rescue station chief Kamil Hamadan said his team was the first to respond during the pre-dawn tragedy at the Father’s Organic Farm camping site but despite the emotional tragedy, the team members remained physically and mentally strong.

“Emotions ran high initially due to the high number of victims but they accepted the tragedy as part and parcel of their daily duties, and they would have to face such instances in the course of their work.

“Thank God, most of the personnel involved in the SAR are physically and emotionally ok. Through the SAR we were also able to develop a high level of capability, gain confidence and experience,” he said.

In the tragic landslide on December 16, at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite in Gohtong Jaya, 31 people, including children died while 61 others from a total of 92 who were at the campsite, were either rescued or scrambled to safety. – Bernama, January 14, 2023.