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Search and rescue op at Simpang Pulai landslide halted

IPOH: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for victims in the landslide at KM27.10 Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley has been officially called off today.

A Perak Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said the SAR operation was terminated at 6pm after no more bodies were recovered.

"The landslide, which occurred yesterday, has so far claimed the lives of two people.

"They were lorry driver Muhammad Hafiz Hamdi, 31, and Tan Chee Heng, 36, who was in a Toyota Alphard," the spokesperson said.

He added that there were 143 rescuers from various agencies involved in the two-day operation.

The landslide is believed to have occurred at about 1.30pm following heavy rain, which loosened the soil.

Debris from the landslide covered a 100m stretch and blanketed both sides of the road, rendering it impassable to vehicles.

Earlier, Perak Public Works Department deputy director, Hamdan Ali said the landslide area is not flagged as a high-risk slope.

Hamdan said there were three high-risk slopes identified along Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley here which was between Section 38 and 46, and this was the first incident at Section 27.

"The landslide occurred due to consistent rainfall since two weeks ago, recording 217mm of rain which weakened the whole structure," he said.

Hamdan added that it would take about a week to clean the route, which is expected to reopen on Dec 9.

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