KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — The on-going search and rescue (SAR) operation for the Indian tourist, who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India, were concentrated around two manholes today, one near the Agrobank Leboh Pasar Besar and the other at Jalan Kinabalu, said Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
“Today’s focus was on manhole 5 by Agro Bank and manhole 6 at Jalan Kinabalu,” she said during a press conference earlier.
She also shared that a team from the fire department is searching the endpoint, which is the Pantai Dalam treatment plant.
Maimunah reported that teams have rechecked manholes 5 and 6, found no major blockages, although debris appears to be impeding water flow. She said that Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) suggested to carry out flushing works from manhole 5 to improve the water flow.
The mayor also added that IWK has completed detailed mapping of the affected area and will conduct integrity tests for further assessment.
In an earlier coordination meeting, Maimunah assured that, based on the latest updates, the situation around Jalan Masjid India and Kuala Lumpur remains under control and is safe for visitors.
“Residents are advised to continue their daily routines as usual,” she said adding that DBKL has activated a task force comprising experts from the PDRM, the fire department and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, and the Department of Mineral and Geoscience to look into the safety of the area.
According to Maimunah, the victim’s family are currently in Malaysia and will receive support including accommodation, food, and counselling.
She explained that the police will also collaborate with the Indian High Commission to extend the visas of the victim’s family if needed.
