KUALA LUMPUR: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for Indian tourist G. Vijayalaksmi, 48, who was swallowed by a sinkhole while strolling along one of the capital’s busiest shopping areas has been officially called off after nine days.
The decision was announced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa after presenting a report to the Cabinet.
It was made after a thorough assessment by experts from the Fire and Rescue Department, the police, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) and other agencies.
Vijayalaksmi’s family and the Indian High Commission had been informed of the decision, Dr Zaliha said.
The next phase of the operation would be search and recovery, which will be headed by the police, she said.
Among the reasons for suspending rescue operations were the safety and health of rescue personnel and the strong water currents in the Jalan Masjid India search area which could endanger them.
“We also took into account the safety of the area. For example we detected a second sinkhole (several days ago) and it is worrying.
“Furthermore, Jalan Masjid India needs to be reopened without forsaking the safety of the public,” she told reporters at the site yesterday.
Another detailed report on the incident would be submitted to the Cabinet after getting feedback from all the agencies involved, she added.
The Indian High Commissioner also expressed his gratitude towards all those involved in the SAR, Dr Zaliha said.
“He understood our decision to stop despite the rescuers doing their best. Together with the High Commission, we will assist the family in any way we can, including in extending their visas,” she said.
Tough call: Dr Zaliha (left, in white) said safety was among the reasons for calling off the SAR operation.
Asked whether compensation would be given to the family, Dr Zaliha said the matter would be decided later.
Going forward, she said DBKL would map the network of utilities under Kuala Lumpur and study its land structure.
DBKL has also cordoned off some 100m of road at Jalan Masjid India for recovery and reconstruction efforts.
“They will also engage with traders to assist them in resuming business. DBKL will also ensure that all construction in the city will require a geo-technical report,” she said.
Dr Zaliha also stressed that Kuala Lumpur was still safe and refuted reports online claiming otherwise.
Recounting some aspects of the Aug 23 incident and the SAR, Dr Zaliha said the Fire and Rescue Department had arrived on the scene some seven minutes after receiving the call that Vijayalaksmi had fallen in.
Several efforts to locate the victim have been conducted since the first day of the SAR which included sending divers into the 8m sinkhole, she said.
More than 115 officers and personnel from the police, Fire and Rescue Department, DBKL, Civil Defence Force, Indah Water Konsortium, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, and Mineral and Geoscience Department, were involved in the operation.
On the first day itself, excavators were used to dig a bigger hole at the site so that divers could be sent in.
However, in subsequent days, rescuers faced various obstacles, including strong water currents and dangerous fumes in the sewage pipeline.
Rescuers then searched at least six manholes located near the incident site and extended to the IWK sewage treatment plant in Pantai Dalam.
The site was deemed too dangerous to dive in after the eighth day and a telescopic camera was sent in instead, with priority for two sewers blocked by debris.
