Search and rescue efforts for landslide victims to continue, says fire dept

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Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid says no decision has been made to end operations
SHAH ALAM - Contrary to widespread speculations, the search and rescue (SAR) operations of the Batang Kali landslide will not end on day seven which falls tomorrow, the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has said.

Its director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said that the authorities involved are yet to discuss on the cessation of the ongoing SAR.

"There is no decision yet to end the SAR operation, we are also depending on coordination with other security and emergency agencies,” Hamdan told Sinar Daily today.

Talk of the SAR operations ending tomorrow gained ground due to confusion over Dec 16 ruling by the Selangor State Secretary Office, that all picnic and camping sites in the state were to be closed for seven days starting on Dec 17.

A total of 94 victims were affected by the tragedy caused by current monsoon season, claiming the lives of 26 individuals. Seven however, were still reported missing.

The latest two fatalities discovered by the authorities were a girl, dressed in pink clothing aged between six to 10 years-old and a man who was found buried under runoff soil whilst hugging his dead pet dog.

All of the remains were sent to the Sungai Buloh Hospital for post-mortem.