KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — A woman from India is believed to have fallen into an eight-metre deep sinkhole that appeared suddenly this morning on the sidewalk along Jalan Masjid India in the city centre here.

The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department confirmed receiving an emergency call at 8.22am.

"The victim, an Indian national, is believed to have fallen into the eight-metre deep hole.

"Search and rescue operations are still underway. Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team and K-9 unit are on the scene as well,” the department said in a statement this afternoon.

The sinkhole is located in front of the Wisma Melayu building, adjacent to Masjid India.

MORE TO COME

In an update later in the afternoon, national news agency Bernama reported Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Rozihan Anwar Mamat saying additional rescuers have been deployed to assist in the rescue operation and that the search area has also been expanded.

"We have conducted a manual search but failed to find the victim. We expect to continue with a more extensive excavation in the subsidence area soon,” he was quoted as telling reporters at the scene.

Earlier news reports indicated the woman is believed to be a tourist from India, aged roughly 48.

It is not known if she was walking alone or had companions prior to her disappearance.

Bernama also cited Dang Wangi district police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman saying the missing woman was seen walking from the Selangor Mansion flats towards Lebuh Ampang before sitting down on a concrete bench that also fell into the sinkhole with her.

"At present, we are reviewing CCTV footage and taking witness statements from those present at the scene.

"No further details on the exact chronology of the incident can be provided at this time. We will update information once the victim is found,” the senior policeman was quoted as saying.

He said an excavator will be brought to the scene for the expanded search.

He said the area is not fully closed for the time being, but a decision will be made and the public informed later.

"We must consider the safety of the rescue personnel, and for now, no decision has been made to fully close the area as it is still deemed safe.

"We will conduct further assessments and notify the public if a closure becomes necessary,” he was quoted as saying.