KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s government will provide special compassionate payments to the families of those killed in the Batang Kali landslide near Genting Highlands, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Friday (Dec 17) night.

Mr Anwar said that the distribution of the aid will be handled by the Selangor government, non-governmental organisations and other related agencies.

“RM10,000 (S$3,000) for each victim who died. RM1,000 for all other surviving victims (to be paid to the head of each household),” he announced.

"I hope the aid can be distributed tomorrow. The matter (distribution of the aid) will be better handled by the state government," he told reporters after visiting the search and rescue operation centre at the site.

Asked if the government will set-up a special taskforce to investigate the landslide, Mr Anwar said that he would wait for reports from all agencies involved in the operation.

"We are waiting for the preliminary report from Inspector-General of Police, the Fire and Rescue Department and other involved agencies.

"I do not want to jump to the gun.

"Let us wait first, scrunitise the reports before taking any action," he said.

Mr Anwar also extended his condolences to the victims and gratitude to all the personnel involved in the search and rescue.

"I am saddened by the tragedy that involved children and mothers.

"I want to thank the firemen over their sacrifices working under such risky condition and challenging weather," he said.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi confirmed at the site of the incident that the death toll from the disaster was now 21 people, with a dozen more still missing.

According to earlier reports, the landslide hit several campsites near the Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali, on the alternative road to Genting Highlands in Pahang near Gohtong Jaya, early on Friday morning.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has ordered the indefinite suspension of all outdoor recreational activities in the affected area. AGENCIES