JOHOR BARU, Dec 16 — Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the Batang Kali landslide tragedy this morning.

The deadly landslide hit several camping sites in Jalan Genting-Batang Kali early this morning.

"I am deeply saddened upon receiving the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this trying time.

"May they be granted the strength and fortitude to pull through this agonising period,” said Sultan Ibrahim in a message posted on Facebook

As of 5pm, the death toll had reached 18 victims with 15 more missing.

Police said some 100 people were at the campsite when the landslide struck earlier today.