PETALING JAYA: Malaysians took to social media to express their sympathy and condolences to the victims of the Batang Kali landslide and their loved ones.
Hashtags such as #TanahRuntuh, #BatangKali and #TragediBatangKali have been trending since the news broke early yesterday morning, as the affected campsite was on Jalan Batang Kali in Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands.On Instagram, there were more than 100,000 posts for each of the trending hashtags as of yesterday evening.
Many posted condolence posters with either photographs of the teacher and family group from SJKC Mun Choong, who were victims of the landslide, or of the ongoing search and rescue effort.
On Facebook, En Marul on the Tcher Collection group posted the photos of some of the victims who were rescued, garnering more than 300 comments and nearly 200 shares.
Most of the comments posted “salam takziah, harap bertabah” (Condolences, stay strong) from other teachers.
Instagrammer annatunteja posted what was one of the last-taken group photographs of the teachers of SJKC Mun Choong and their families who were victims of the landslide, with the caption, “Condolences to the families of the victims. Poor things, many children involved.”
@AbangStrawberi tweeted “Condolences to the families of the victims at Batang Kali #TanahRuntuh #BatangKali”.
Ain Anuar @AinAnua40534671 said natural disasters do not recognise anyone and asked that all focus be on the search and rescue operation.
“Natural disasters – floods, landslides, tsunami – it does not matter what states, who is the government, what race or skin colour – let’s now focus on search and rescue efforts. Pray for the victims. Pray for the rescuers,” said Ain.
@AmTheSoloCamper tweeted that there must not be a blame game in the aftermath of the tragedy and one must learn from this incident to avoid a repeat.
“Please take this issue to improve so that the same incident does not repeat itself. Do not play the blame game. The campsite owner would not have been able to predict such a natural disaster.”
However, Twitter user @climateaidil suggested that relevant parties investigate the cause that led to this disaster, as everyone should stay in the know about this incident.
“The government has to go into the matter, whether it was unsustainable development or climate change,” he tweeted.
Nazmi Yaakob @bukunota asked everyone to mind their words as tragedies can happen to anyone.
“#TragediBatangKali does not recognise parties, and we as netizens must mind our tongues. Let us pray for the victims to be found,” tweeted Nazmi.
Meanwhile, many Malaysians posted advice to those planning outdoor holidays.
Facebook user Nor Salwani Yacob advised people to steer clear of outdoor activities during the heavy spell of rain as it could put them in peril, saying slope failures are inevitable at this time.
“People should avoid going into the jungle or conducting any sort of activity such as camping, especially during this monsoon season,” she wrote.
Camping group Malaysia Car Camping Club posted: “Those who plan to camp this coming week should postpone their trip and stay vigilant. We can always reschedule it for another time.”
Facebook page Hiking and Recreation around Malaysia said: “This is not an ideal time for adventure recreation, even more so activities like hiking, camping or going to the beach, as these are high-risk zones for flood and landslides.”
Facebook user Edward Lim reminded everyone to remain wary when doing outdoor pursuits in bad weather.
“Only camp with licensed organisers and never camp on a foothill,” he posted.