Local government development minister Nga Kor Ming presented the awards to the four dogs – Blake, Lady, Grouse and Pop.

Nga also presented certificates of appreciation to the firefighters involved in the operation, which Malaysia fire and rescue department operations director Nor Hisham Mohammad and Selangor fire and rescue department deputy director Wan Razali Wan Ismail received on their behalf, Bernama reported.

The landslide struck at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite at 2.42am on Dec 16 last year, claiming 31 lives while 61 people were rescued.

The search and rescue operation lasted for nine days, with the body of the final victim in the tragedy found on Dec 24 last year.

Meanwhile, Nga said his ministry will ensure Malaysians were not burdened by local government policies, regulations or SOPs that were cumbersome.

He also noted that some local authorities charged “unreasonable” fees for the renewal of dog licences.