Malaysia PM Anwar instructs KL City Hall to extend condolences to sinkhole victim’s family

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to extend its condolences to the family of

a woman who fell into a sinkhole

in Jalan Masjid India in the capital city on Aug 23.

“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 the 8m-deep sinkhole when the ground gave way as 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, according to 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 the night of Aug 24 due to a lack of new leads.

The area around the sinkhole 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