The realization that some of your loved ones are involved in a tragedy is devastating for anyone to endure. This happened to a Malaysian named Melvin Chew when he received news that some of his family members were victims of the recent landslide disaster in Batang Kali.
M’sian volunteers in Batang Kali rescue operation to find his family members
On December 22, Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Negeri Selangor (Selangor Civil Defence Team) took to Facebook to share the sad story of Sergeant (PA) Melvin Chew, one of the officers participating in the rescue mission. The 59-year-old sergeant felt a sense of relief and sorrow when he finally found all four of his family members who had passed away in the Batang Kali landslide.
To this day, the rescue mission is still ongoing with the attempt and determination to recover all the missing victims.
Melvin started joining the search on the second day and has been working unfalteringly each and every day due to his determination to find his family.
Recalling the time when he heard the news about the landslide, he was shocked to know about the considerable number of victims involved. He was furthermore horrified when he learnt that some of them were his own relatives from Malacca. As an APM rescuer himself, he determinedly signed up to assist the Klang District Civil Defense in the search operation with hopes of finding his family and the other victims.
Determined to continue the search until the mission ends
Melvin admitted that the entire search was tiring since he started participating on day 2. Although he had successfully found all the bodies of his family, he said that he felt both relieved and sad upon the discovery.
He thanked all agencies and officers who had given everything they had in this operation on behalf of his deceased relatives, and was appreciative of their efforts in recovering every one of the missing victims.
“Although I have received the closure I needed, I’d still continue to join the operation force in Batang Kali until the rescue mission ends,” Melvin said.
Our deepest condolences to Melvin and the families of all the victims in the Batang Kali landslide. We hope that every one of the victims can be found and returned to their loved ones.
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