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KUALA LUMPUR – The fatal landslide at three campsites in Batang Kali early this morning was caused by the weakening of hillslopes by underground water flow, said Mineral and Geoscience Department director-general Hisamuddin Termidi.
He said that based on the department’s early observations, “homogeneous material” from the top of the higher ground had fallen after the slopes’ base gave way, following contact with water.
“For now, works are being focused on search-and-rescue attempts,” he said during a visit to the incident site earlier today, according to a video posted by the department on its Facebook page.
He added that the landslide area is 500m in length, 200m in width, and is about eight metres deep.
“The landslide saw a displacement of 450,000 cubic metres,” he said.
Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told reporters after inspecting the location that authorities are not ruling out the possibility of more landslides at the Batang Kali campsites.
As of 4.40pm, the death toll from the unfortunate event, which happened at about 2am this morning, is at 18, while 15 people remain missing.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that Sg Buloh Hospital has received 11 bodies and the identities of the victims are being verified, noting that medical staffers are expecting more bodies to be sent to the hospital.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed that the three campsites affected by the deadly landslides have been operating illegally for at least two years.
The operators involved could face up to three years in jail and a maximum fine of RM50,000.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail at 12.30pm ordered all campsites and water recreational areas in Batang Kali to close with immediate effect.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and several other ministers are expected to visit the disaster area later tonight. – The Vibes, December 16, 2022
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