Two dead, including child, from early morning landslide on campsite near Gohtong Jaya; ministers to visit site

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 — Two people have been found dead following an early morning landslide at a campsite in Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands near the Father’s Organic Farm.

The two fatalities were reported by Malay daily Utusan Malaysia at 8.58am, citing updated information from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department, which also said three people are injured.

National news wire Bernama reported that one of the deaths was that of a child, citing the police.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed sadness at news of the landslide on Twitter and prayed for the search-and-rescue mission’s success.

In the same tweet, he tagged Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as well as Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming.

“@niknazmi @NgaKorMing will be going to the site of the incident this morning,” Fahmi tweeted.

The search-and-rescue operation is ongoing.

Earlier this morning, Bernama reported that searchers have rescued 37 people but believed there were 60 more trapped in the rubble.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis said firefighters began arriving at the scene at about 3am after receiving a distress call at 2.24am.

The fire teams included from the Kuala Kubu Bharu, Rawang, Genting Highlands, Sentosa, Ampang, Pandan, Kota Anggerik, Kajang and Andalas rescue and fire stations.

He said the landslide near the organic farm had fallen on a campsite close to the road.

“According to the police, there are 100 people at the campsite who are likely to be victims of the landslide.

“The search and rescue mission for the victims is being carried out with the STORM team,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.