Sniffer dogs deployed in search for buried quarry worker in Pahang

TWO detection dogs have been deployed to assist in the search for a man believed to be buried beneath a rockfall at a quarry site in Ulu Gali, Sungai Ruan, Pahang.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Mohammad Fazrul Illahi Ab Rahman from Tanah Merah, Kelantan, was reportedly operating an excavator when a landslide occurred at approximately 12.50pm on Saturday. Although he attempted to leap from the machine to escape, he was ultimately trapped beneath the collapsed rock face.

Public Relations Officer for the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Pahang, Zulfadli Zakaria, confirmed on Monday that the third day of the search-and-rescue (SAR) effort involves one sniffer dog from JBPM’s K9 Unit (Zone 3) and another from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

"Two excavators are also being used to clear paths and allow safe movement of rescue teams across the rocky terrain," he said.

Zulfadli added that search efforts covered approximately 4.6 square metres on Sunday and were extended by a further 4.6 square metres on Monday. The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) is also assisting by deploying a ‘monitoring telemeter’ to detect any ground movement and ensure the safety of all personnel on site.

In total, 79 personnel from various agencies are involved in the operation, including fire and rescue personnel from Raub, police officers, APM, the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the Department of Minerals and Geoscience, and quarry staff.

Pahang Civil Defence Force Director Colonel (PA) Che Adam A Rahman confirmed that a specialised team from the Civil Defence Special Forces (PASPA) is on site to monitor structural movement at the rockfall area using a device known as the ‘Leader Sentry’.

“This tool can detect movement in the soil or rock structures and is essential for ensuring the safety of SAR teams working in the high-risk zone,” he said.

“If any movement is detected, rescuers will be advised not to enter the search area.”

The incident also injured three foreign quarry workers, who managed to escape serious harm. Meanwhile, the search for Mohammad Fazrul Illahi remains ongoing, with authorities racing against time and the threat of further collapses. - September 15, 2025