KUALA LUMPUR City Hall (DBKL) has been instructed to work closely with geologists and infrastructure experts to assess and reduce any risk of a similar sinkhole in the future, says Minister in the Prime Minister Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
"I have instructed Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif to work with geologists and infrastructure experts in this matter.
"The Federal Territories Department (JWP) and DBKL will also strengthen the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for development by ensuring that geotechnical studies by certified engineers are submitted earlier in the planning approval process,"
"I am in constant communication with the Mayor to identify immediate actions and long-term strategies while not ruling out the possibility of reviewing urban planning policies in Kuala Lumpur to reduce the risk of incidents more effectively," she said in a statement on Monday (Aug 26).
This was after a tourist from India fell into the eight-metre-deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India after the ground gave way when she was walking to a nearby temple at 8.22am on Friday (Aug 23).
Six sewer manholes have been opened in stages for search and rescue (SAR) efforts
The six locations are at Wisma Yakin, Jalan Melayu, Jalan Melayu intersection, Dataran Merdeka, Bank Pertanian Lebuh Pasar Besar and the Kinabalu roundabout.
"I am in close communication with the Indian Ambassador to Malaysia B.N. Reddy to provide updates on the ongoing SAR operations.
"It is important that this issue is addressed with facts and well-founded actions, not just rhetoric and actions that may cause public anxiety," she said.
Zaliha added that no party should exploit this situation by seeking cheap publicity or politicising this issue.
"Our focus now is on finding constructive solutions for the safety and well-being of all.
"I urge all parties, including residents and relevant stakeholders, to provide constructive input," she said.
