Batang Kali landslide: No NGOs have permission to assist SAR operation, says Selangor Fire Chief

Datuk Norazam Khamis. -Bernamapic

HULU SELANGOR: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have not been given permission to help the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation at the Father's Organic Farm landslide site.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis said the department detected a photo that went viral on Friday (Dec 16) with the caption that a group of individuals from an NGO were permitted to enter the landslide location and assist in the SAR.

"We deny giving any permission to any NGO or individuals to take part in the SAR operation. It is in line with the National Security Council order in which only trained rescue personnel and agencies are permitted into the red zone," he said in a statement on Monday (Dec 19).

The permitted agencies are the Fire and Rescue Department, the police, the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart), the Civil Defence Force and the Armed Forces, he said.

"The main aspects taken into account for personnel involved are their safety, skills and fitness.

"With the current situation of the land structure of the site becoming soft and the possibility of further soil movement if it rains, it needs focus and specialised training to face difficult and unexpected situations.

"Thus the skills and fitness of personnel involved in the SAR operation are integral," he added.

The operation was resumed on Monday to search for the remaining nine victims of the landslide, he said.