KUALA LUMPUR – The search-and-rescue operation to locate the Indian tourist who fell into a sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India yesterday will now focus on the last two manholes on the sewer line leading to the Pantai Dalam Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) treatment plant.
Federal Territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the two manholes are at Dataran Merdeka and Kinabalu roundabout.
Four other manholes – at Wisma Yakin, Jalan Melayu, the Jalan Melayu junction, and Bank Pertanian near Lebih Pasar – have already been inspected by the Fire and Rescue Department’s Scuba unit.
“We will continue our search with the responsible parties until we reach the Pantai Dalam treatment plant.
“If the victim isn’t found, we will discuss the next course of action and how long the rescue operation will carry on. We have yet to determine that,” Bernama reported her as saying at a press conference after visiting the sinkhole site at Jalan Masjid India today.
She said her department will also seek the assistance of the Social Welfare Department to provide counselling to the family members of Vijayaletchumi, 48, after meeting the family earlier in the day.
Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue deputy director Rozihan Anwar Mamat said six Scuba unit personnel were assigned to the search at six manholes since this morning. They spent 20 minutes in each manhole as it was a challenging task to manoeuvre in a tight space while dealing with strong currents and risky conditions.
“The team uses a buddy method, and goes in with two or three members at a time as the manhole area has gas that can be risky to personnel,” he said.
Zaliha said the real cause of the sinkhole had yet to be identified and they were waiting for a full report from those responsible, which is expected after the operation is completed.
The authorities will conduct a mapping exercise of the capital city with findings from experts, including the Minerals and Geosciences Department, to ensure the Kuala Lumpur area is safe, she added.
She also advised the public against coming to the incident area as a precautionary measure.
Rescue teams have opened six sewer manholes in stages since 10.30am today in their search for the victim.
Vijayaletchumy was scheduled to return to India today after spending two months in Malaysia.
CCTV video of the freak incident showed her walking on the pavement in front of the Malayan Mansion on Jalan Masjid India when the ground suddenly gave way, causing her to fall into a sinkhole 8m-deep.
Authorities believe she has been swept away by strong water currents in the sewerage system, and have so far only been able to find a pair of slippers belonging to her. – August 24, 2024