The Star report revealed that search and rescue efforts at the sinkhole area on Jalan Masjid India had been halted by authorities due to the risks involved in continuing rescue operations using scuba diving methods. However, efforts to locate the missing 48-year-old tourist, Ms Vijaya Lakshmi, were still ongoing at the Pantai Dalam treatment plant, where the sewer from the incident site ends 7 km away. Ms Lakshmi, who was on holiday with her family, fell into the 8m-deep sinkhole on Aug 23 and was believed to have been swept away through a broken portion of the concrete sewer at the bottom of the sinkhole.
Recent heavy rainfall in Kuala Lumpur had increased the speed of the currents in the sewer, complicating divers’ efforts to search for Ms Lakshmi. Stubborn debris in the pipes may have also hindered her from being swept to the treatment plant, where metal screens are in place to catch large objects. Various methods such as camera crawlers, ground-penetrating radar, and high-pressure water jets were being used to locate the victim, but she remained missing a week after the incident. Despite these challenges, discussions with the Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia had taken place regarding the decision to stop rescue efforts as authorities considered potential compensation for the family of the missing tourist.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Kuala Lumpur mayor reassured the public that the capital remained safe after a geotechnical study identified the cause of the incident and deemed the city secure. The Mayor emphasized that any areas at risk of sinkholes should be addressed promptly to prevent further disasters. Business in the Masjid India area reported a significant decline due to the incident, prompting concerns among shopkeepers. Experts suggested that sinkholes in Kuala Lumpur could be caused by various factors including over-pumping of groundwater during construction, broken pipes eroding soil beneath the surface, or mining activities resulting in collapsing voids.
Given the limestone formations beneath Kuala Lumpur’s soil, water accumulation from rainfall can seep into limestone cracks, causing erosion over time. As the limestone dissolves, the cracks widen, leading to instability in the ground above and potential sinkhole formations. Efforts to collaborate with experts in geology and structural safety were being considered to provide further information on the safety of Kuala Lumpur. Despite the challenges in rescue operations and potential risks associated with sinkholes in the city, authorities were working towards mitigating future incidents through preventive measures and safety assessments. The safety of the capital remained a key priority, as authorities sought to ensure the well-being of residents and tourists in the affected areas.