Malaysia landslide: 21 killed, 12 missing

A landslide killed at least 21 people, including children, while they slept in their tents at an unlicensed campsite in Malaysia yesterday, officials said, as search teams scoured thick mud and downed trees for survivors. The landslide in Selangor state bordering the capital, Kuala Lumpur, occurred before 3:00 am (1900 GMT), tearing down a hillside into an organic farm that officials said was operating the campsite illegally. Among the victims were five children, 12 women, and 12 people were still missing, according to the fire and rescue department.  The disaster struck about 50 km north of Kuala Lumpur in Batang Kali, just outside the popular hilltop area of Genting Highlands, known for its resorts, waterfalls and natural beauty. The earth fell from an estimated height of 30 metres and covered an area of about an acre, according to the fire and rescue department's state director. The farm owners did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Two of its workers, who are Myanmar nationals, told Reuters they managed to escape with others after being roused by neighbours, just minutes before the farmhouse was destroyed. "I have never seen such a horrible incident. I feel so shocked and terrified," said Thawng Uk. "We could bring nothing at all as we urgently ran ... ."  His colleague Kung Tuang, 31, said he was afraid they would lose their jobs now that the farm had been destroyed.