BATANG KALI – Volunteers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are not allowed to directly assist the search-and-rescue operations underway following the landslide in Batang Kali as it is unsuitable for the public to be in the vicinity of the search area.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the Fire and Rescue Department, as the agency heading the operation, would determine who is allowed into the search area to assist.
“Otherwise it will create a chaotic situation due to the large search area,” he told reporters at the location of the landslide tonight.
Meanwhile, an Information Department spokesman said that following a discussion with police, only official government media will be allowed to enter the search location up to its red zone to take photographs throughout the operation beginning tonight.
He said that the department and police would issue a schedule tomorrow allowing photographers from other media agencies to enter the location in turns.
This follows requests made by photographers on duty at the location to the IGP about the difficulties they encountered in obtaining good visuals.
Meanwhile, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis said that the ban on volunteers and NGOs at the search site was for their own well-being and safety as conditions in the area were dangerous.
He said only trained rescue personnel were allowed into the operation area’s red zone in accordance with instructions set by the National Security Council.
“For instance, in this area, the soil structure is soft and if it rains, there might be a landslide in the area.
“So this situation requires specialised training and our readiness to face tough and unexpected situations, so that’s why we require skilled personnel with good physical fitness to operate here,” he said.
However, he said NGOs and volunteers could provide assistance outside the operations area. – Bernama, December 17, 2022
