PETALING JAYA, June 9 — Public outrage claiming helicopter responses for the earthquake search and rescue efforts were limited because experienced pilots were away on school holidays was squashed by the National Security Council yesterday.

Council chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said pilots deployed for the rescue efforts were from several authorities including Fire and Rescue Department, police as well as the armed forces.

“Those assigned for the search and rescue are experienced pilots ranked captain and above,” he said.

Shahidan said the weather was the main deterrent.

“Above 10,000 feet, the clouds and dense fog restrict visibility of the pilots, while the strong winds and the limited landing space also played a part in deterring rescue crew efforts.”

“The pilots had to evaluate the risks prior to landing given the rocky terrain and limited ground. Any error in judgement would have been fatal for the  crew.”

He said attempts to land on Saturday were risky due to the turbulence.

“The pilot and his crew tried to land four times but was only able to land once for just a minute and had to take off immediately fearing the helicopter might collide into the boulders due to strong crosswinds.”

Shahidan said images of Fire and Rescue personnel circulating on Facebook which claimed the officers were ‘milling around’ in Laban Rata on Saturday was untrue.

He said the actual image was taken at the operations control centre at Timpohon.

“Many of the officers were waiting to ascend in groups and allegations they were not assisting in the rescue efforts were uncalled for. There were no casualties in Timpohon,” he said.

Shahidan said 62 fire and rescue personnel were deployed on Friday and only 22 ascended the peak. The remaining 40 personnel were stationed at the operations centre to assist with evacuation of the stranded hikers.

“Those who went up were divided into four groups and ascended the mountain as they arrived in stages.”

Shahidan said the officers deployed to the peak created pathways by installing safety ropes at dangerous spots.

They also provided emergency medical services, transported victims as well as managed the evacuation flow.

“They descended from the peak and arrived in Timpohon at 3am on Saturday,” he said.

Despite the criticism towards the search and rescue team, he was proud of their teamwork alongside the mountain guides and conveyed his gratitude to those involved.

Shahidan confirmed a motion would be moved in Parliament to refute the allegations search and rescue officials had been negligent in their duties.