Kuala Lumpur, 19 December 2022 (TDI): On 16 December, Friday, a landslide hit a campsite in Batang Kali near Genting Highlands in Malaysia. At least 24 people, including five children, are killed and more than 90 people were caught in the landslide.
This incident took place at Father’s Organic Farm in Gohtong Jaya, which is in the state of Selangor. All the victims were sleeping at the time of the landslide, which covered about one hectare of land.
Important to mention is the fact that the campsite had been operating illegally, according to local government Development Minister, Nga Kor Ming.
Ming added that the operator had government approval to run an organic farm, but was not permitted to run camping activities. It is also said that the site’s operator could now face prosecution.
Statement by Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, on Friday, announced financial aid and support measures for those affected by the devastating landslide.
Furthermore, Prime Minister said RM10,000 (US$2,260) will be given to the families of those who died. While RM1,000 aid will be provided to the survivors of the incident.
Anwar, who said he was shocked by the incident, added that “I have asked that search and rescue operations be done in a careful and systematic way by all government bodies.” In addition, he also told Ministers visiting the site to not disrupt operations.
Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said on the day of the incident that “I pray that the missing victims can be found safely soon, the rescue team has been working since early.”
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Nga Kor Ming said that it is currently the season for monsoon rains in Malaysia. He cautioned that all campsites nationwide that are near rivers, waterfalls, and hillsides would be closed for a week to assess their safety.
However, Selangor is Malaysia’s most affluent state and has suffered landslides before, often attributed to forest and land clearance.
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