13 Killed, 25 Trapped In Landslide At Malaysian Campsite

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Thirteen people have been found dead with around 25 others feared trapped in a landslide in Malaysia on Friday, said the country’s Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. “At least 13 people were found dead as at 11.30 am,” she was reported as saying when visiting victims receiving treatment at a hospital located in Selangor state. Around 60 victims have been rescued as at 10.40 am with seven others injured after the landslide engulfed a campsite at the Father’s Organic Farm near the road linking Batang Kali with Genting Highlands, on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur. Selangor’s fire and rescue department said 25 people were still missing. The campsite is located on Jalan Genting, Gohtong Jaya, less than 15km away from Genting Highlands. The camp, which is en route to the popular travel destination that houses a casino and theme park, offers eco-tourism packages including educational guides on organic vegetable farming. Roads to the site have been shut to allow easier access for trucks ferrying tractors and personnel for rescue operations. Selangor’s Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said a distress call was received at 2.24 am. According to initial reports of the operation commander, the height of the ruins is estimated at 30m, he said. “The landslide is about one acre wide and fell onto the campsite,” Norazam said when contacted, estimating that around 100 victims were affected by the landslide. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered the search and rescue mission for victims of the landslide at the campsite be conducted thoroughly and systematically by all government departments. “Malaysians, please pray so that this mission can be carried out smoothly and I will go down to the location tonight," he said in a statement. Anwar said he was informed that several ministers involved would go to the location today and advised them not to interfere with the search and rescue work. -- BERNAMA