HULU SELANGOR: Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis says the ban on volunteers and NGOs at the search and rescue site was for their own wellbeing and safety as conditions in the area were dangerous.

He said only trained rescue personnel were allowed into the operation area’s red zone in accordance with instructions set by the National Security Council.

“For instance, in this area, the soil structure is soft and if it rains, there might be another landslide in the area.

“So this situation requires specialised training and our readiness to face tough and unexpected situations, so that’s why we require skilled personnel with good physical fitness to operate here,” he told Bernama on Saturday (Dec 17).

He said NGOs and volunteers could, however, provide assistance outside the operation area.

Meanwhile, Selangor deputy Fire and Rescue director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail said that 135 rescue personnel would be involved in the operations on Saturday night.

There are still nine victims yet to be found. – Bernama