[UPDATED] Small rockslides disrupt search, rescue operations for Keramat Pulai quarry victims

KUALA LUMPUR – The search and rescue operations to look for two victims at the Keramat Pulai quarry have been disrupted after small rockslides surrounding the site were detected.

Authorities said they can only continue to monitor the situation today at the stone quarry along Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands in Perak.

Victims Kheow Loo Siew Soon, 49, and Itam Lasoh, 43, are yet to be found, reported Bernama.

Yesterday, Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Azmi Osman was quoted as saying that witnesses told the authorities that the two victims – an excavator driver and his assistant – are buried 10-12m under the rubble.

He said the exact location of the victims have yet to be determined but we know the position of the excavator based on the information given by the two witnesses who survived yesterday.

“We used two excavators to remove the rubble about 25m deep to make way for a search and rescue operation. This process takes a long time depending on the weather conditions. If it rains, we have to stop the operation and seek advice from the Department of Minerals and Geosciences.”

In an incident at 9.15am yesterday, authorities rescued Mohd Razli Suhaimi, 35, who suffered a broken leg, and Pan Tam, 38, who had minor injuries. – The Vibes, March 10, 2022