Family hopes to see Kuala Lumpur sinkhole victim’s face one last time as search continues

MALAYSIA: Vijayalakshmi’s family, deeply shaken by the incident in which the 48-year-old Indian tourist fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, is anxiously waiting for the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operation to bring closure, holding onto the hope of seeing her one final time.

While they have come to terms with the situation and have no expectations, they express a deep desire to see her face once more.

Family members have remained at the scene since the incident occurred on 23 August.

Vijayalakshmi’s eldest son, who was in Thailand, immediately flew to Malaysia that same evening upon hearing the news.

The family had planned to return to India together on Saturday, 24 August, after a two-month holiday in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government has extended their visas for an additional month and is ensuring that the family receives proper care, including the support of a counselor.

On 26 August, Arvend Applasamy, Special Officer to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, met with the family, providing them with cash, food, and beverages to support them during their vigil.

On 27 August, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency joined the SAR efforts, deploying ground-penetrating radar to aid in the search.

Similar technology was previously used to locate buried victims during the Batang Kali landslide in December 2022.

Kuala Lumpur mayor assures city is safe

During a press conference on Sunday (25 Aug) at Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif addressed concerns about the city’s safety following the sinkhole incident.

She responded to a resurfaced 2015 Facebook post uploaded by an environmental activist, claiming that Kuala Lumpur is the most unsafe place in Malaysia due to the potential for a “giant sinkhole.”

The post alleged that 40% to 60% of Kuala Lumpur’s foundation consists of limestone and that unregulated development and disorganised drainage systems could increase the risk.

Maimunah countered these claims, stating that Kuala Lumpur has been developed over a long period and remains safe for habitation unless proven otherwise by thorough studies.

She mentioned that a task force, including the Department of Geology and the Public Works Department (JKR), has been established to investigate the matter further.

New sinkhole opens up in Kuala Lumpur

On 28 August, another sinkhole emerged on Jalan Masjid India, just 50 meters from the spot where Vijayalakshmi was swallowed by the ground last Friday.

The incident reportedly occurred around 2.30 am, likely due to the heavy rain and storm from the previous night.

The area has been fully cordoned off by the security team to prevent any further incidents.

Photo credit: Azril Annuar