Yuta Maju Sdn Bhd said nine bodies had been found so far and retrieved from the location of the landslide, with four people rescued.

It said the cabins affected by the landslide were the former living quarters of workers employed in the project, which had been vacated and abandoned several weeks before the landslide.

“The electricity supply to these cabins was disconnected on Oct 2 to ensure that the cabins were not used by anyone.

“The bodies found and the persons rescued are strangers who were not employees of Yuta Maju Sdn Bhd,” it said in a statement.

The company said it had been unaware of the the presence of these strangers at the abandoned cabins, but was working with third parties to ensure that the recovered bodies are sent back to their respective countries.

It added that the consulates involved were aware of the efforts taken to ensure the proper repatriation of the bodies.

“Apart from providing the required machinery and equipment for the search and rescue efforts, Yuta Maju has been contributing in cash and in kind towards the food and drinks of the rescue workers involved in the search and rescue efforts,” it said.

It added that Yuta Maju had been providing on a humanitarian basis and would continue providing all assistance within its capability.

The landslide which occurred at 1.56pm last Friday claimed the lives of nine foreign workers. Another three individuals were injured.