IPOH: The Perak state government has denied allegations of neglect in the provision of welfare assistance to the families of two victims who are believed to be trapped under the debris of a limestone quarry landslide at Keramat Pulai, Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands here.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said his special officer and Kinta District Officer Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik had channelled various forms of assistance to the families of the two victims since the incident occurred last Tuesday.
"I also received information that the owner of this quarry company has also provided cash assistance to the victim's family.
"So, if the assistance given so far is not enough, they (the victims' families) can report to the District Officer, and if it is beyond his means, the menteri besar will take action, but so far, I am sure all the welfare needs of the victims' families have been taken into due consideration," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after inspecting the search and rescue (SAR) operation which entered its ninth day today, and he was accompanied by Perak Police chief Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid.
In the meantime, Saarani said the request from one of the victim's family members to be able to participate in the search and rescue operation could not be met, due to security factors.
"We cannot allow anyone except certain people who have been identified to be experts in this rescue work, and moreso, we have asked them (the rescue team) to be extra careful because there have been several landslides detected prior to this.
"So, we are worried that in a situation where if many people are at the scene, including the victim's wife and family, and if there is a landslide, it could lead to more accidents or fatalities," he said.
Meanwhile, Saarani said the search and rescue team had been using metal detectors to locate the excavator which had come under the landslide.
"However, from the information I received a moment ago, there could be detection interference as this area has also been identified as having iron ores, so we are afraid the metal detector may not be able to accurately detect the position of the excavator.
"A total of 13 controlled explosions were carried out to allow passage and space to locate the excavator, but so far nothing has been found, and it could possibly take a long time," he said.
The incident at 9.15 am last Tuesday left two men identified as Kheow Loo Siew Soon, 49, and Itam Lasoh, 43, trapped under rock debris, while two others, namely Mohd Razli Suhaimi, 35, and Pan Tam, 38, were injured.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Mar 16 2022
Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said his special officer and Kinta District Officer Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik had channelled various forms of assistance to the families of the two victims since the incident occurred last Tuesday. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.