(Nov 11): The Karak Highway is closed to traffic in both directions because of a landslide at KM52.4 near Lentang-Bukit Tinggi this evening.

At press time, the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department said no casualty was reported in the 7pm incident.

However, the department said five vehicles, including a trailer, were hit by the landslide, but nine people in the affected vehicles managed to escape before the rescue team arrived at the scene.

The vehicles involved were a Volkswagen Polo, a Mini Cooper, a Toyota Estima, a Perodua MyVi and a trailer.

The Department had also deployed its Special Tactical Operation Rescue Malaysian (STORM) unit, led by officer Alimaddia Bukri to assist in the rescue work.

Alimaddia said his team had arrived at the location despite having trouble reaching the scene due to heavy traffic along the emergency lane at KM48.8 of the stretch.

Cleaning work, he said is in progress and is being handled by the highway authorities.

The Malaysia Highway Authority (LLM) in a press statement, advised road users to exit at Bukit Tinggi or Bentong, or use trunk roads to bypass the congestion.

The Karak Highway is a major artery connecting the capital city Kuala Lumpur to the east coast of the peninsula at Kuantan.

Earlier, The Star Online, quoting head of traffic from The Star Radio Media Group Priscilla Patrick, said it was possible that some vehicles were buried in the landslide.

"I just spoke to officials – there are some cars that are buried in this landslide, so it's not looking good. It's not going to clear up till midnight, I think it's going to go on till morning," Patrick was quoted as saying.

Bentong Police Chief Supt Mohd Mansor Mohd Noor, however, said so far, no injuries had been reported.

"Both roads are closed to all vehicles. There are no injuries reported in the meantime," he said in a statement.

Mansor said heavy machinery from highway operator MTD Prime Sdn Bhd had begun cleaning work at the area.

LLM also tweeted alternative roads for motorists, asking those headed to Kuantan from Kuala Lumpur to go southwards to Seremban first, then through Bahau, Pelangai and Karak.

Those coming from the east coast towards the capital city from Kuantan should take the reverse route, exiting at the Karak toll and cutting through Pelangai, Bahau and Seremban. – The Malaysian Insider