M'sians Thank Bomba & Frontliners As Rescue Effort In Batang Kali Enters Day 4
The rescue effort to find the remaining nine victims continues today, 19 December.
By May Vin Ang — 19 Dec 2022, 12:59 PM
The frontliners are remaining steadfast in their mission to find the remaining victims of the landslide that occurred in Gohtong Jaya, Batang Kali
The tragedy at the Father's Organic Farm campsite at 2.42am last Friday, 16 December, involved 94 victims. Of which, 61 were found safe, 24 perished, and nine are still missing.
According to a Facebook post by the Fire and Rescue Department, the search-and-rescue mission yielded zero results on Sunday, 18 December, as 128 personnel and six K9 search dogs were deployed to recover the victims.
The bad weather, heavy rainfall, and thick mud have made the operation increasingly difficult.
Officers from the Civil Defence Department (APM) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have also been deployed to join the search.
As the search enters its fourth day, Malaysians have poured onto social media to share their appreciation and support for the frontliners
A photo in particular, shared on Twitter by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, grabbed the attention of social media users as it shows a group of first responders from the Fire Departments's Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) laying on the ground in exhaustion late Friday night.
"Thank you to everyone involved in the Batang Kali landslide rescue mission. They are all very committed and dedicated, regardless of race, religion, and rank. This is the true face of Malaysia," thanked a Twitter user.
"Masya Allah... I can imagine how tired they are in this rescue mission in Batang Kali, especially in this unpredictable weather. Let's say good prayers for all of them," wished another.
Currently, the main challenge of the mission is the land stability at the disaster area caused by the underground water flow, said one of the rescuers
Senior Fire Officer Shahari Shamsuddin told Bernama that the thick mud has made the team's movements difficult and they are taking their utmost care in using heavy machinery to aid the search, especially to prevent hurting buried victims.
Meanwhile, the 47-year-old firefighter said being a first responder to this tragedy has been one of the most unforgettable experiences during his 23 years of service.
"When it came to extricating the bodies, I had to hold back my tears. As a rescue personnel, I have to control my emotions, but as a normal human being, it's hard to deal with this feeling," he said.
Shahari added that he was also at the scene when the team heartbreakingly recovered the bodies of a mother embracing her three-year-old daughter under the earth.
"When I found them hugging each other, I thought about my daughter. Subhanallah, I cannot imagine if this heartbreaking incident happened to my family."
