[UPDATED] 1 dead in Cameron Highlands landslide, search ongoing for other victims

KUALA LUMPUR – An individual has been confirmed to have perished in this afternoon’s landslide at Section 27 of the Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley road in Cameron Highlands.

Authorities said search and rescue personnel have yet to successful extricate the remains of the lorry driver, who has been identified as Muhammad Hafiz Hamdi, due to the overwhelming mass of soil and poor conditions.

The lorry was first recovered at 5.30pm, reported the New Straits Times.

It was reported that the second vehicle – a Toyota Vellfire – had been found 10 to 20m from the lorry.

It is learnt that the search and rescue operation for any other victims will continue through the night until all of them are found and recovered.

A Perak Fire and Rescue Department spokesman told the portal that rescuers have yet to confirm how many people are in the vehicle.

Earlier today, a car and a lorry were left buried after a landslide at the Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley road.

In a report today, the Simpang Pulai Fire and Rescue Department said rescue efforts are underway and that the lorry driver was responsive while the other driver had yet to respond.

The road has been closed to all traffic until further notice.

It added that the station received the emergency call at 1.44pm today, and rescue teams and an excavator had been dispatched.

However, they had trouble reaching the location due to the landslide.

Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said the landslide was the result of heavy rain and involved a 100m stretch, blocking both sides of the road.

“The Public Works Department is monitoring the situation. Motorists heading to Cameron Highlands can use Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands, which will reopen at 5pm,” he said in a statement. – The Vibes, December 2, 2021