Genting Highlands landslide: MFA confirms 3 Singaporeans rescued; PM Lee conveys condolences to Malaysian PM Anwar

SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (Dec 16) sent a condolence letter to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after the landslide that happened near Genting Highlands killed several people.

Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan did the same for his Malaysian counterpart Zambry Abdul Kadir.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said that three Singaporeans have been rescued by the Malaysian authorities. The Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in touch with the Singaporeans.

In his letter, Mr Lee said that he was deeply saddened by news of the landslide.

“On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all those affected by the landslide, and we wish a swift recovery to the injured,” he wrote.

“I would also like to thank Malaysia for the assistance rendered to Singaporeans affected by the landslide.

“The Singapore Civil Defence Force stands ready to assist with Malaysia’s ongoing search and rescue efforts if necessary.”

In his letter, Dr Balakrishnan conveyed his “deepest condolences and sympathies” to the landslide victims and their families.

“(I would like to) thank Malaysia for supporting Singaporeans affected by the landslide,” he added.

Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that 21 deaths have been confirmed as of 7.10pm on Friday.

Search and rescue operations are still ongoing.

MFA said that it has also reached out to people who have e-registered with the ministry to be in Genting Highlands, and added that the Government is monitoring the situation closely.

Singaporeans seeking consular assistance may contact the following:

1. High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur   

• Call +60-3-2161-6277 during office hours, or
• For emergencies outside of office hours, call the 24-hour hotline +60-16-661-0400 

2. Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Johor Bahru

• Call +60-7-226-5012 during office hours
• For emergencies outside of office hours, call the 24-hour hotline +60-19-791-1166

3. The Duty Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore (24-hours)

• Call +65 6379 8800 or +65 6379 8855