BATANG KALI: For the first time in Malaysia, search and rescue (SAR) personnel are using two ground penetration radar (GPR) devices in disaster efforts.
The devices were deployed today in the search for nine remaining victims from the Father's Organic Farm landslide.
National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) Operational Implementation Section director Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said the sophisticated devices could penetrate the soil to a depth of five metres.
"They are handheld devices. This is the first time they are being used in the country.
"Many of our neighbouring countries have been using the devices for disaster operations.
"We hope the devices will help with the SAR operations," he told reporters at the site today.
He said the devices were sponsored by Geoventure Solution through a corporate social responsibility programme.
"We'll see what the results are like, whether it will help with the SAR operations and hasten the search for the victims," he said.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis earlier said they began deploying the devices at 9am.
"A total of eight excavators have also been deployed to expedite the operation, which is now focusing on where the last victim was found yesterday (in Sector A)," he said.
He added that the digging and transferring of soil is ongoing, where two different teams have been placed at Sectors A and C.
"The digging and transferring of soil are ongoing. Two teams have been placed at two different sectors to help detect the victims' location and measure the thickness of the soil.
"We will continue the SAR operations and increase the number of excavators if necessary," he said.
The SAR mission has entered its third day today, with rescuers searching for nine more people still listed as missing.
A total of 61 victims have been rescued, with the death toll standing at 24.