At least 7 killed in Malaysian landslide

At least 7 killed in Malaysian landslide

2011-08-08 20:46:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (BNO NEWS) -- At least seven people were killed and two others were critically injured during a rain-triggered landslide in Malaysia, officials said Monday.

The landslide occurred on Sunday at around 5:45 p.m. local time in the Sungai Ruil Orang Asli Settlement in Brinchang, which is located in Cameron Highlands in the Malaysian state of Pahang, Bernama reported.

According to witnesses, a loud sound similar to a strong explosion was heard when the landslide occurred. It killed three in a family when their house was buried. They were identified as Jaafar Balad, 48, his wife, Normah Gunung, 51, and their son, Mohd Iqbal, 15.

Among the seven fatal victims, were four women. In addition, two people were critically injured and are currently receiving medical treatment at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Monday expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, commending search and rescue teams who were able to retrieve the victims around eight hours after the incident. Police stopped the search and rescue operation at 1:50 a.m. local time after the last victim was found at 1:20 a.m.

The Sungai Ruil Orang Asli settlement is located about two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Brinchang-Tanah Rata Road and has 45 houses with about 1,300 residents. It is the oldest Orang Asli settlement in the area.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-08-08