Batang Kali landslide: Priority is finding victims, investigations can wait, says IGP

HULU SELANGOR: The priority of the authorities is on the search and rescue (SAR) operations at the Father's Organic Farm campsite while investigations connected to the landslide will commence later, says Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

The Inspector-General of Police said each agency involved in the SAR is focused on searching for the remaining victims.

"With the 24th victim found today, the SAR team is still searching for nine more victims.

"That is our priority - searching for and identifying the victims," he told reporters at the landslide site on Saturday (Dec 17).

Commenting on the manager of the Father's Organic Farm, who was called up to assist investigations connected to the landslide, the IGP said the man has yet to come forward.

"He was supposed to get his statement recorded this afternoon but he could not make it.

"While our priority is on the SAR, investigations connected to the landslide are still being conducted.

"Selangor CID chief Senior Asst Comm Baharudin Mat Taib will lead the investigation pertaining to the landslide," he said.

It was reported that the manager of Father's Organic Farm had been called in for questioning.

Hulu Selangor OCPD Supt Suffian Abdullah had said they would call him on Saturday to record his statement.

"We will take the necessary follow-up action," he told reporters at the scene.

It was reported that the campsite operator at Father's Organic Farm did not have a valid licence to host such activities.

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said on Friday (Dec 16) that checks with the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (MPHS) revealed the operator only had a licence to operate an organic farm.