Read more: 'Excavators should not have been used' http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/19dess/Article/#ixzz1NdC46KHN
Geologist, Associate Professor Dr Tajul Anuar Jamaluddin, who is the coordinator of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Geological Hazards Programme for its Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Institute (SEADPRI), was of the opinion that the presence of heavy machinery had posed risks to the victims and rescue party.
The landslide, which hit the Hidayah Madrasah Al-Taqwa orphanage in Kampung Gahal, Kajang, killed 16 and injured nine others.
"I saw the online news. There were two heavy machinery used to assist in the search and rescue mission.
"I was puzzled as to who authorised the use of the machines," he said, when contacted yesterday.
Tajul and his team had conducted an initial survey of the site on Sunday, and a report is expected to be completed next week.
It is learnt that the two excavators had been brought in by the villagers to aid in the rescue operations.
Kajang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rashid confirmed this yesterday.
Tajul said heavy machinery should only be brought in to remove obstacles which could not be done manually, and after the all victims had been rescued.
He cited rescuers in Japan as an example, where they searched for victims with their bare hands and spades.
"The use of heavy machinery can trigger subsequent landslides due to tremors and this poses risks to victims and rescue workers," he said.
Meanwhile, police have recorded statements from 26 people, and are expecting to complete investigations by next week.
Read more: 'Excavators should not have been used' http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/19dess/Article/#ixzz1NdBnSD5M
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