News about MRT3

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) said their identities were confirmed by next of kin through an identification process or the 'finger printing' test.

Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said a notice would also be sent to all the operators concerned on Monday (Dec 19) to ensure that the instruction is adhered to.

MPHS president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd said the action followed Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming’s order on Friday (Dec 16) for all campsites near rivers and in high-risk areas nationwide to be closed for seven days with immediate effect.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement on Saturday said the Malaysian government is working swiftly to ensure all those affected in the tragedy are given immediate assistance.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said foreign leaders also expressed sympathy over the tragedy, including Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

“As the Federal Disaster Management Committee chairman, I, along with all agency heads here will monitor the situation from time to time and will update the media and the public on developments.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the landslide involved an area of 500 metres (m) in length, 200 m wide and a depth of 8 m, moving approximately 450,000 square metres (sq m) of soil.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis said they were the 17th and 18th bodies found at the site next to the river at 4.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast that heavy rain will start tomorrow, especially on the East Coast.

As of 5pm, the death toll had reached 18 victims with 15 more missing.