2 Bangladeshis killed in Malaysia landslide

Two Bangladeshi workers were buried alive when a landslide hit their living quarters in Malaysia’s Hulu Langat early today.

The victims -- Rana, 40, and Masudrana, 22-- were workers of Langat 2 water treatment plant. They were staying at a renovated farmhouse that had been converted into living quarters for the workers.

Asst Commissioner Othman Nayan of Kajang said police received a call around 4:00am of a landslide in Kg Sungai Serai and a search and rescue team was dispatched to the scene.

"Early investigations showed that the landowner had renovated an existing farmhouse and rented it out to workers of the Langat 2 project," he said.

He said 11 Bangladeshis and nine Indonesian workers were staying at the renovated building.

ACP Othman said continuous rain over the past few days could have triggered the landslide. The search for other victims is continuing with the help of the Kajang Fire and Rescue Department.

The case has been classified as sudden death and police have yet to reveal the identities of the victims.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Mohd Sani Harul said the landslide caused two rooms at the workers' quarters to cave in.

"The victims were pulled out by their colleagues before the fire engines arrived," Mohd Sani said.

He said the incident occurred around 2:00am but the department was only notified at 4:00am.

"We have directed firemen in the area to be on standby for such disasters especially with current weather conditions," he said.

Copyright: Asia News Network/The Star