Fatigue not stopping the police from giving their all

HULU SELANGOR: Police personnel involved in the search and rescue (SAR) operation at the Batang Kali landslide site are giving their all despite the fatigue, says Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

The Inspector-General of Police said police were trained emotionally and physically to overcome any challenges and deal with emergency situations.

“Their duties have been planned carefully while taking into account their welfare and expertise. Despite the fatigue, I am confident they are able to give their full commitment in carrying out the SAR operation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis has clarified that members from NGOs were not allowed to join the search efforts.

“We are not giving permission to any NGOs or individuals to take part in the SAR operation. It is in line with the National Security Council order which states that only trained rescue personnel and agencies are permitted into the red zone,” he said in a statement.

The clarification came after a photograph indicating that a group of people from an NGO had entered the landslide site to assist in the search went viral on Friday.

Norazam said only members from the Fire and Rescue Department, the police force, SMART, the Civil Defence Department and the Armed Forces could perform the job.

“The ground is soft and there’s potential for further soil movement when it rains. It needs highly focused and specialised training to face any difficulties or unexpected situations,” he said.

“So the skills and fitness of those involved in the SAR operation are integral.”