Mayor of KL informs about search efforts and assures safety around accident site

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 – The ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operation for the Indian tourist who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India today focused on two manholes, one near Agrobank Leboh Pasar Besar and the other on Jalan Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said.

“Today the focus was on Shaft 5 at Agro Bank and Shaft 6 in Jalan Kinabalu,” she said earlier during a press conference.

She also said that a fire brigade team is searching the final destination, the Pantai Dalam sewage treatment plant.

Maimunah reported that teams had rechecked shaft openings 5 ​​and 6 and found no major blockages, although debris appeared to be obstructing water flow. She said the Indah Water Consortium (IWK) had proposed carrying out flushing work on shaft 5 to improve 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 according to the latest information, the situation around Jalan Masjid India and Kuala Lumpur remains under control and safe for visitors.

“Residents are advised to continue their daily lives as usual,” she said, adding that DBKL had activated a task force comprising experts from PDRM, the Fire Service, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force and the Department of Minerals and Geosciences to check the safety of the area.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif during the press conference earlier. — Photo by Sayuti Zainudin

According to Maimunah, the victim's family is currently in Malaysia and is receiving support, including accommodation, food and counselling.

She stated that the police would also work with the Indian High Commission to extend the visas of the victim's family if necessary.