Malaysia PM Anwar instructs KL City Hall to extend condolences to ...

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to extend its condolences to the family of the woman who fell into a sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India on Aug 22.

“This morning, I instructed DBKL to express its condolences to the family of this young mother who has yet to be found. We express our sympathies,” said Datuk Seri Anwar on Aug 25.

Ms Vijayalaksmi – a tourist from India – fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India after the ground gave way when she was walking to a nearby temple at 8.22am on Aug 23.

Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said on Aug 25 that the sinkhole was caused by geographical and soil structure factors, reported state news agency Bernama.

Datuk Seri Fadillah explained that the flow of underground water was disrupted by the limestone soil composition, leading to soil instability and the creation 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 also around the world, particularly in areas with limestone and specific geological conditions,” Mr Fadillah was quoted as saying by Bernama.

The search and rescue operation for the Indian national entered its third day on Aug 25, following its suspension on Aug 24 night due to a lack of new leads.

The area around the sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India was relatively quiet on day three of the search for 48-year-old Ms Vijayalaksmi, with members of the media patiently waiting for updates.

Dang Wangi police chief, Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, was seen at the scene at around 10am.

This comes after six sewer manholes were opened in stages to expand the search area.

The six locations are at Wisma Yakin, Jalan Melayu, Jalan Melayu intersection, Dataran Merdeka, Bank Pertanian Lebuh Pasar Besar and the Kinabalu roundabout. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK