KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 — The Immigration Department has extended the visas of four family members of the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole victim by a month.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s special officer Arvend Applasamy said the visa extension was granted to the victim’s husband, child, and two other family members.
Arvend, who met with the victim’s family at the incident site on Jalan Masjid India today, said while the family’s emotional state is more stable, they are still grappling with the tragedy.
He said the family is slowly coming to terms with the tragic event but still hope for an opportunity to see the victim one last time.
“The family members were understandably distraught during our meeting, but they have begun to accept the reality of what has happened. However, they are still requesting the chance to see the victim’s face,” he told reporters.
Arvend added that his visit to the victim’s family today was to convey condolences and offer assistance on behalf of Zahid.
He assured the family the rescue team is committed to continuing search efforts.
On Friday, a tourist from India, identified as Vijayaletchumy, 48, fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole after the ground opened under her in front of Malayan Mansion at 8.22am.
The victim, who was in Malaysia with her family on vacation, was passing through the area on her way to a nearby temple when the incident occurred.
Meanwhile, a Bernama check at the scene found business activities were on as usual, with many visitors, including foreign tourists. Only five business fronts in front of the incident site were closed and cordoned off with yellow tape.
It is understood flushing operations are being carried out by the search and rescue team as they continue efforts to locate the victim, now on the fourth day.
— Bernama
