Vacate all camping grounds now, says Zahid

 

Rescue efforts are continuing through the night at the site of the landslide in Batang Kali. (Bernama pic)

HULU SELANGOR: As rescue efforts continued through the night for 12 more victims of the campsite landslide in Batang Kali, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for all camping grounds and recreational areas near highlands and rivers across the country to be vacated immediately.

“This is my advice to parents and teachers who have plans for holidays in such areas,” he said.

He said with heavy rainfall expected in the coming days, especially in the east coast, strong currents of water would flow on slopes and hillsides, which could then lead to further landslides.

Zahid said the search and rescue operation is currently focused on Sector C (Riverside campsite), adding that personnel will be working round the clock to locate the remaining victims.

“Hopefully, some are safe,” he told reporters at a press conference here.

Zahid said K9 units will help sniff out the location of victims, while the rescue team will be digging manually without the use of any heavy machinery.

According to Zahid, many bodies were found in Sector B (Farmview campsite) and Sector C (Riverside). - FMT