27-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A significant void has appeared in the Kampung Kerinchi neighbourhood of Kuala Lumpur, causing concern among local residents and authorities alike. The incident, which occurred on Jalan Pantai Permai in the Bangsar South area, has been attributed to the collapse of a drainage system beneath the road.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) confirmed their awareness of the situation through a Facebook post on Tuesday, 27 August. According to the statement, swift action was taken to secure the affected area. “Initial safety measures were implemented by 10 pm on Monday, including the deployment of water barriers and traffic cones to cordon off the hazardous zone,” the post detailed.
Photographs of the scene reveal that the collapse has impacted both the footpath and a portion of the roadway. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported in connection with this incident.
This latest infrastructural failure comes on the heels of a tragic event that occurred just days earlier on Jalan Masjid India, where an Indian tourist fell into a deep sinkhole. The search for the missing 48-year-old woman, identified as Ms Vijayaletchumy, entered its fifth day on Tuesday, with rescue efforts intensifying.
Malaysian authorities have employed various techniques in their attempt to locate the missing tourist. High-pressure water jets are being utilised at two manholes as part of the ongoing operation. In a bid to enhance their search capabilities, the country’s nuclear agency has reportedly brought in ground-penetrating radar equipment.
The search efforts have extended to the Pantai Dalam treatment plant, where the sewer system terminates. DBKL officials confirmed that this location is also being thoroughly investigated.
Ms Vijayaletchumy, who was nearing the end of a two-month holiday with her family in Malaysia, disappeared after falling into the sinkhole while en route to a nearby temple. The incident has reignited concerns about the stability of Kuala Lumpur’s underground infrastructure.
In the wake of these events, social media has seen a resurgence of claims dating back to 2015, suggesting the potential for a “giant sinkhole” to emerge in the Malaysian capital at any time. However, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Maimunah Mohd Sharif has sought to allay these fears, stating on Sunday that “Kuala Lumpur remains safe unless proven otherwise by studies”.
Mayor Maimunah emphasised that the city’s long history of development means that any claims regarding safety issues must be substantiated with robust evidence. In response to these concerns, a dedicated task force has been established. This group, comprising representatives from the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Public Works Department, will conduct a comprehensive study on the safety of development in the capital.
