The death toll for the tragic landslide at Genting Highlands has since risen to 24, according to Malaysia’s Disaster Management Agency as of 17 December, 5pm.
Rescuers reportedly found a dead mother and daughter duo under the rubble embracing each other, near the riverbank.
Their bodies were found near the riverbank at about 4.40pm under some rubble, and the child was believed to be about 3 years old, as her mother held her in her arms.
The two bodies were the 17th and 18th casualties of the tragedy.
So far, 4 men, 13 women, 5 boys and 2 girls have been killed in the landslide, with 9 more people still missing as search and rescue efforts continue.
The Fire and Rescue director of Selangor said that the chances of survival for the remaining missing people are slim.
He cited the lack of oxygen in the soil and the pressure of the soil on the body which makes it difficult for anyone to continue breathing as the reasons.
He did, however, add that there could still be survivors, nonetheless.