HULU SELANGOR – Ten agencies involved in the search-and-rescue operation during the tragic Batang Kali landslide near here on December 16, were appreciated for their sacrifices and contributions during a special appreciation nite, here, last night.
Among the agencies involved were the Fire and Rescue Department, police, Civil Defence Force and the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Hulu Selangor PKR division chief N. Sathia Prakash said the appreciation ceremony was organised at the Batang Kali state assembly service coordinating centre with the cooperation of family members and next of kin of victims who perished in the tragedy.
“This is just a small token of appreciation to those involved in the rescue operation compared with what they have done or contributed during the tragedy.
“I was there on the first day the rescue operation started and continued to be there for a number of days, being outside the ground zero. Psychologically, I know the rescue team was sad but it was absolutely a noble job done by them.
“For me, without them, we would never have achieved that nine days to find all the victims, especially so when the last victim was found just a day before Christmas. It was very critical,” he told reporters after attending the ceremony.
Speaking of the close cooperation during the rescue operation by various government agencies, non-governmental organisations, volunteers and media practitioners, Sathia said the cooperation shown by everybody during the tragedy that claimed 31 victims is proof that a closely-knit unity is in existence in the country.
“Therefore, we decided to organise an appreciation nite to show that as Malaysians, we don’t differentiate. We are there for everybody as Malaysians,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kuala Kubu Baru Fire and Rescue station chief Kamil Hamadan said his team was the first responder during the pre-dawn tragedy at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite but despite the emotional tragedy, they remained physically and mentally strong.
“Initially there was a lot of emotion involved due to the large number of victims but they accepted the tragedy as part and parcel of their daily duties because there are times when they will have to face such tragedies and emergencies during their course of duty.
“Thank God, most of the personnel involved in the rescue operation are physically and emotionally ok. Through the operation, we were also able to develop a high level of capability, and gain confidence and experience,” he said.
In the tragic landslide on December 16 at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite in Gohtong Jaya, 31 people including children died, while 61 others from a total of 92 who were at the campsite, were either rescued or scrambled to safety. – Bernama, January 14, 2023
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