‘KL sinkhole tragedy not caused by flash floods’

THE sinkhole tragedy in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, was not caused by flash floods, said Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

“It was merely a coincidence that there were several incidents that happened due to heavy rain,” said the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories).

Since the tragic incident, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been conducting a soil structure study in the area, which is in its final stage.

“Mapping and underground integrity testing are also being carried out in the central business district.

To determine the soil layer structure, the team will use ground-penetrating radar and the Mackintosh probe, a specialised tool,” she said in reply to Teresa Kok (Ph-seputeh) at Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

On Aug 23, a tourist from India, identified as Vijayalaksmi, 48, fell into an 8m deep sinkhole after the ground gave way as she was walking in the area in Jalan Masjid India. Her body was never recovered despite an extensive search by various agencies that lasted nine days.

Dr Zaliha also said that for the long term, DBKL will conduct soil investigations using deep boring (borehole) accompanied by laboratory tests.

“DBKL will submit a geotechnical report by a certified civil engineer promptly for high-risk development areas,” she added.

Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof had said the sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India was caused by geographical and soil structure factors.

He explained that the limestone soil composition in the area had disrupted the flow of underground water, leading to soil instability and ultimately resulting in the formation of the sinkhole.