The RM10mil allocation under Budget 2025 for a geotechnical study of soil structures in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle follows a recent spate of land subsidence and landslides, including the tragic case of a woman who fell into a sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India in August. — Filepic
GEOLOGY experts and engineers commended the RM10mil allocation under Budget 2025 for a geotechnical study of soil structures on the main roads in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle.
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Department of Civil Engineering specialist Wong Chee Fui said the allocation for the study was timely.
He said the assessment of subsurface condition, including soil composition, groundwater and ground settlement were important in monitoring for early detection of sinkholes.
“Sinkholes are a depression or cavity in the ground caused by an erosion of the underlying ground layer.
“It can happen due to both natural and human-induced factors.
“Kuala Lumpur’s geological formation of natural limestones and its history as a mining ground make it susceptible to the risk of sinkholes,” said Wong.
However, the existence of groundwater might also trigger the potential occurrence of sinkholes, he said.
“Leakage from water or sewerage pipes and poor groundwater management can destabilise underground soil and increase the risk of erosion and sinkhole occurrence.”
Wong added that the geotechnical studies should include a study of existing geology of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, findings of the soil investigation, design criteria and implementation of design with regards to geotechnical aspects.
“Proactive measures in urban planning, including regular monitoring, maintenance and adoption of new technology to detect potential sinkholes, are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the city’s infrastructure and safeguarding the community,” he said.
During the Budget 2025 speech, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the RM10mil funding following the spate of land subsidence and landslides, including the tragic case of a 48-year-old woman who fell into a sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, on Aug 23.
To prevent such incidents in the future, Anwar outlined plans for several projects, including a geotechnical study.
Geological Society of Malaysia president Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hariri Arifin, who is also Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science and Technology deputy dean (industry and community partnerships), said the study would be a good initiative to reduce people’s negative perception of the subsurface condition of the capital city.
Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) president Prof Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin said it would assist government agencies and Kuala Lumpur City Hall by recommending its experts on the subject matter.
Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Fakhrurrazi Ishak from Universiti Malaysia Pahang’s Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology told StarMetro it was good that the government had recognised the vulnerability of geological structures and hazards that have occurred.
“The allocation should be fully utilised by researchers from local universities and agencies to combine their knowledge and expertise.
“This collaboration will help address and predict potential risks, leading to the development of effective strategic mitigation plans,” said the academician.
Technological Association Malaysia president Tung Chee Kuan recommended the use of the latest technology, including ground detection technology and advanced slope protection methods to be adopted.
“As an organisation for technologists and technicians, we are willing to offer our expertise where necessary,” said Tung.
