Batang Kali Landslide Survivors Who Lost Their Child Meet Up With Rescuers To Thank Them
The couple invited three Civil Defence Force (APM) officers to coffee to thank them personally.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 04 Jan 2023, 05:17 PM
A married couple who lost their child in the Batang Kali landslide last month met up with their rescuers from the Civil Defence Force (APM) to thank them personally
In a Facebook post published on Monday, 2 January, the civil defence services agency said three officers from the Hulu Selangor District APM were among the first to arrive at the site of the tragedy on 16 December.
The couple, who survived the ordeal, invited the three gentlemen, namely, Capt (PA) Hilmi Husman, Junior Lieutenant (PA) Mohammad Amin Rosdi, and Junior Staff (PA) Mohd Firdaus Abd Samad, to coffee.
"Although both of them lost their child in the incident, the couple still appreciated the services of all the rescuers who worked together to help save all the victims," APM said in the post.
"During the meeting, the husband and wife expressed their grief over the loss of their only child, and even shared a video recording of the birthday of their beloved child."
The husband said he was the first to call the emergency line when the landslide happened.
At the time, he said he could only watch his wife and child being trapped in the car while the rescuers worked their way to remove them from the landslide.
"He also told the situation of his wife, who requested her son to be rescued first, but the rescuer did not have the heart to tell her that her son had taken his last breath at that time," the post continued
"[Until] the situation was completely stable, then the rescuers explained the situation of her son who had died."
Even though the couple was stricken with grief, they expressed their deep gratitude to all the rescuers. They said they will remain steadfast in continuing with their lives together.
"They also hope that there are more rescuers in the world who can help anyone who experiences a disaster or accident, and even be able to provide early treatment to save lives," APM said.
Capt (PA) Hilmi said that the meet-up was a "priceless honour", adding that he never expected anything in return other than gratitude throughout his career as a rescuer
"We wish all the victims to persevere in the face of challenges, and strength for those who have lost family members while going through this trying period," APM concluded.
On 16 December, the Batang Kali landslide claimed 31 lives, while 61 victims survived the ordeal. The remains of the last missing victim were found on 24 December.
