Batang Kali landslide probe 90 per cent complete

BANGI: Police investigations into the landslide tragedy at the Father's Organic Farm campsite in Batang Kali, which claimed the lives of 31 people, are almost 90 per cent complete.

Selangor police chief Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed said investigations now involved examining the crime scene, recording statements from rescue personnel and pathology reports from the hospital regarding the cause of death of the victims.

"To date police have recorded statements from 77 witnesses, including victims who were injured and families of the victims, the campsite operator and workers, as well as rescue workers. Investigation papers have been opened under Sections 304 (A) and 290 of the Penal Code as well as the Local Government Act of 1974," he said after the completion of training, commissioning and certificate presentation ceremony for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Police Volunteer Corps here today.

Arjunaidi said police had detected 20 vehicles buried in the landslide incident and were identifying owners of the vehicles.

"Police will not try to pull out the vehicles because they are buried too deep, so it is up to the owners of the vehicles to discuss with insurance agencies about the claims," he said.

The tragedy occurred around 2.30am on Dec 16, and claimed the lives of 31 people. Ninety-two people were affected in the incident, with 61 survivors.

The landslide resulted in the deaths of 18 adults and 13 children. -- Bernama