PUTRAJAYA: A 30-year-old Malaysian has been confirmed missing following a landslide in Indonesia’s Padang Panjang in West Sumatra, says the Foreign Ministry.
The ministry, through the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Medan, confirmed that Malaysian - Asrul Nizam Apridwson - is missing and believed to have been affected by the landslide incident on Thursday (Nov 27).
“The Consulate-General is liaising closely with the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the West Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and the Padang Panjang police (Polres Padang Panjang) to obtain verified updates on the ongoing search and rescue operation.
“Malaysians in West Sumatra are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities such as BNPB, BPBD, Basarnas to avoid landslide- and flood-prone areas, and to take particular note that the Padang–Bukittinggi route via Anai Valley remains closed,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday (Nov 30).
Malaysians currently in the affected areas are also strongly advised to register their presence with the Consulate-General to facilitate timely assistance and communication.
For consular assistance, please contact the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Medan at +62 823-6164-6046 (24 hours) or email to mwmedan@kln.gov.my.
The ministry added that it would continue to monitor developments and provide further updates as necessary.
Heavy rain, rising water levels and unstable slopes were reported in northern Indonesia, prompting repeated warnings from local authorities.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), a strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, at 12.56pm on Thursday (Nov 27).
Tremors were felt around the west coast states of Peninsular Malaysia, but there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia, the department said.
