The death toll in the landslide in Kampung Cenderakasih, Kota Kinabalu, rose to seven.

The first deceased, Husaima Sarabani, 50, was found around 12.30pm, Buletin TV3 reported.

Rescuers later found siblings Siti Khadijah Abdullah, four; Ilham Abdullah, two; their cousin Izzan Gandi, seven; and their grandfather Abdul Halid Darak, 50.

A search continued for Maslinah Abdul Halid, 24, and her nine-year-old son, Noriman Abdullah, and they were found under debris two to three metres deep.

Kota Kinabalu police chief Kasim Muda said they had to use an excavator to clear the debris to extract the victims.

The landslide occurred around 10am following torrential rain since last night, burying a total of nine victims.

Two of them were rescued by members of the public.

Two others were found dead after a landslide hit three houses in Kampung Mook near Papar. The victims were declared dead at the scene and are still being identified.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is attending the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, extended his condolences to the families of victims.

“We express our deepest concern and sorrow over what has happened, particularly for the victims who lost their lives and the many families affected by the destruction of property, homes and damage to public facilities.

“Early action must be expedited, especially involving public facilities such as minor roads, schools, health clinics and others.”