MIRI (Jan 29): The body of the last victim of the devastating Kampung Lereng Bukit landslide has been recovered, bringing an end to the intense search-and-rescue operation. The tragic incident claimed the lives of five individuals, and the recovery of 71-year-old Fatimah Dawi’s body marks the conclusion of the rescue efforts.
Miri district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that Fatimah’s remains were discovered beneath the concrete debris of her home. The rescue team located her body at approximately 6:06 pm and successfully recovered it at 6:26 pm.
Speaking at a press conference, ACP Alexson expressed his gratitude to all the rescue teams involved and stated that the bodies of all five victims had been sent to Miri Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The other victims include 41-year-old Sazarena Arabi and her three children: 16-year-old Irsyad Syairah, 11-year-old Nur Rania Syafiqah, and 8-year-old Nur Raisya Syahirah.
“The search-and-rescue operation has now concluded, and we are grateful to the teams who worked tirelessly in the difficult conditions,” he said. “The case has been classified as sudden death, and investigations are ongoing.”
While the immediate rescue operation has ended, authorities are continuing to monitor the situation. Reports from the Public Works Department (JKR) have raised concerns about the possibility of additional landslides in the area, and relevant agencies are on high alert.
Also present at the press briefing were Zone 6 Fire and Rescue (Bomba) Chief Ismaidi Ismail and Senior Fire Superintendent II Awangku Mohd Hazmin, who acknowledged the collective effort of the teams on the ground.
As the community grapples with the devastating loss, the authorities urge the public to stay vigilant in light of the ongoing risks in the area.
