KL sinkhole: Search and rescue ops halted for 'search and recovery' phase

• Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa: “We consulted with experts before making this decision. After gathering input from the Royal Malaysian Police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Indah Water Konsortium, our geological partners and other agencies, we decided to conclude the SAR today.”

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 31): The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the Indian national who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India here has been halted, with efforts now shifting to the 'search and recovery' phase.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the decision was made after considering expert opinions and the Cabinet's views.

“We consulted with experts before making this decision. After gathering input from the Royal Malaysian Police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Indah Water Konsortium, our geological partners and other agencies, we decided to conclude the SAR today,” she said at a media briefing at the scene on Saturday.

On Aug 23, the Indian woman, identified as G Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, went missing after falling into an eight-metre-deep hole while on her way to a nearby temple.

Zaliha said among the factors leading to the termination of the SAR operation were safety issues and risks to the SAR team members, as well as the safety of areas surrounding the incident site.

Following this, she said the DBKL will conduct utility mapping and structural soil studies throughout Kuala Lumpur.

“We will also engage with the traders here to help resume activities. Additionally, we have requested for the DBKL to carry out recovery and reconstruction in the affected area,” she said.

According to her, the area identified for repair work extends 100 metres from the Masjid India gateway to the Mydin hypermarket.

'Victim's family members understand the decision'

Zaliha said the authorities, with the cooperation of the High Commission of India, had informed the victim’s family of the termination of the SAR operation, and they understand the decision.

She added that they will also assist in managing any visa extensions needed for the victim’s family.

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