31-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The nine-day search and rescue (SAR) operation for Vijayalaksmi, a 48-year-old Indian tourist who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India, has been officially terminated. The announcement, made on Saturday by Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Federal Territories, marks a sombre conclusion to the intense efforts to locate the missing woman.
The decision to call off the operation came after careful consideration of expert opinions from various agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, police, and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK). Dr Zaliha cited safety concerns for rescue personnel as a primary factor, noting the strong currents in the search area.
“We’ve been in constant communication with the victim’s family and the Indian High Commission,” Dr Zaliha stated during a press conference. “The Indian High Commissioner has expressed gratitude for our efforts and understands the necessity of this difficult decision.”
The incident, which occurred on 23 August, saw Vijayalaksmi disappear into an eight-metre deep cavity while en route to a nearby temple. Despite employing various techniques such as jetting, flushing, and water pumping, rescue teams were unable to locate the tourist.
As the SAR operation concludes, authorities are transitioning to a Search and Recovery phase, to be led by the police. Dr Zaliha assured that support for the victim’s family would continue, including assistance with visa extensions if required. The matter of potential compensation remains under consideration.
In response to the tragedy, the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) has announced plans to conduct comprehensive mapping of utilities and soil structural studies throughout the capital. “DBKL will also mandate geo-technical reports for all future construction projects in the city,” Dr Zaliha added, underlining the administration’s commitment to preventing similar incidents.
Local businesses in the affected area will receive support to resume operations, with DBKL cordoning off a 100-metre stretch of Jalan Masjid India to facilitate recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Dr Zaliha emphasised that despite this unfortunate event, Kuala Lumpur remains a safe destination. She urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information, expressing concern over the proliferation of unverified videos and reports circulating online.
The minister confirmed that a detailed report on the sinkhole incident will be submitted to the Cabinet following input from all agencies involved in the SAR effort.
