KUCHING, Aug 25 — The sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, was caused by geographical and soil structure factors, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said the limestone soil composition in the area disrupted the flow of underground water, leading to soil instability and ultimately resulting in the formation of the sinkhole.
“Sometimes, it’s impossible to predict when and where a sinkhole will occur.
“This phenomenon doesn’t only happen in Malaysia, but around the world, particularly in areas with limestone and specific geological conditions,” he said after launching the Convention Against Worker Exploitation here today.
Fadillah, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, expressed hope that with advanced technology in the future, such incidents could be reduced, and early preventive measures could be taken.
“Although we cannot predict precisely when a sinkhole will occur, with the right knowledge and technology, we can take necessary steps to protect communities and mitigate the impact of these incidents,” he added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim meanwhile assured the search for an Indian national who fell into a sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India will continue.
Anwar, expressing his deep sympathy for the incident involving the woman known as Vijayaletchumy, said he has directed the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to meet with the victim’s family.
“I have instructed DBKL to meet the family (of the victim) to express our sympathy and condolences, and to inform that (search) efforts will continue.
He said this after officiating after officiating the Malaysia Mosque for Al-Aqsa and Palestine Conference, held at the Federal Territory Mosque today.
On Friday, Vijayaletchumy, 48, a tourist from India, fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole after the ground gave way right under her as she was walking in front of Malayan Mansion.
It is understood the victim and her family were set to return to India on Saturday after two months in Malaysia.
— Bernama
