Landslide tragedy: Govt to focus on post-disaster management

SHAH ALAM - The government will now focus on the post-disaster management since the search and rescue (SAR) operation of the landslide incident at the Father's Organic Farm in Batang Kali has been completed.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the post-disaster management would include the distribution of aid to the victims and family members involved.

He said the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will be assisting in the distribution of immediate aid as soon as it received data and information from the District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD).

“After the operation had been completed, focus would be given to the post-disaster management including the distribution of aid to the victims and family members involved," he said in a statement, today.

Armizan also expressed appreciation to all members of the SAR team comprising various government agencies.

He acknowledged that regardless of the difficulties encountered at the scene, including the weather condition and how exhausted the personnel were, the SAR operation continued until yesterday when all the victims were found and the operation was stopped upon completion.

He expressed his condolences to the affected victims and families involved in the landslide tragedy.

“My condolences to all 92 victims and family members involved.

“We are grateful that 61 victims have been successfully rescued and are deeply saddened by the death of 31 victims,” he said.

Meanwhile, Armizan also reminded Malaysians that they still needed to continue to be prepared in facing the floods as the country has yet to fully be out of the period of the 2022-2023 North East Monsoon phenomenon.

“Always be alert of information and warnings, and follow the advice of the relevant agencies for mutual safety,” he added.

The body of the last victim of the Father’s Organic Farm campsite landslide has been found by members of the SAR team in the operation yesterday evening.

The landslide that hit at 2.42am Dec 16 claimed the lives of 31 victims, while 61 victims survived.

A total of 92 victims were reported to have been involved in the incident.