Search and rescue op ongoing at landslide site to locate other possible victims


Excavations work is ongoing by the JKR at the landslide area.

IPOH: Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to locate any other victims who may be buried following the landslide at Section 27 of Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley.

Fire and Rescue Department acting operations director Muhamad Shahrizal Aris said work to clear the debris is being carried out to allow tracker dogs to find any potential victims.

"We are trying to clear away as much soil as we can before we send in the canine unit.

"We will do this procedure twice and if the dogs are unable to detect anything, we will then decide whether to call off the operation," he told a press conference near the incident site on Friday (Dec 3).

"As of now, there are no leads to show more vehicles (were buried) as, according to witnesses, there were only two vehicles involved," he added.

The landslide occurred at about 1.40pm on Thursday (Dec 2), burying a lorry and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

Rescue work and excavation are ongoing.
Rescue work and excavation are ongoing.

Two victims have been dug out and identified as lorry driver Muhammad Hafiz Hamdi, 31, from Tanjung Piandang in Parit Buntar; and Tan Chee Heng, 36, who drove the MPV.

Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley has been closed off to motorists following the incident.

Muhamad Shahrizal said the MPV had already been removed.

"We are still trying to dig out the lorry," he said, adding that the mound of debris on the road was between 5m and 7m in height.

He added that Minerals and Geoscience Department officers were still inpecting the area.

"So far, there are no more movements. Observation of the area will continue," he said.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

RM15bil Rahmah cash aid benefits nine million Malaysians to date
Sarawak now has its own space agency
Govt mulling standardised accreditation for syariah lawyers
Multi-million ringgit registration fee waived for M'sia to host F1, says Anwar
Six charged with kidnapping businessman for RM8mil ransom
Investors seek growth and stability
Five perimeter walls, each costing RM100,000, built to curb vandalism of telco tower sites in Sarawak
Royal diplomacy paves way for return of F1 to Malaysia, says King
Political meddling turned Felda from a profit-making giant into a RM10bil debtor, says PM
Negri polls: Bersatu's Zamri believes he has 'local boy' edge in Linggi

Others Also Read