SINGAPORE — Rescue operations are underway after a woman fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last week.
A 48-year-old Indian tourist remains unaccounted for, after falling into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 23, 2024, according to the Malaysian police.Rescue operations have been tough due to poor visibility and strong undercurrents, likely caused by heavy rainfall
In the early hours of Wednesday, a second sinkhole opened up some 50m from the site, believed to be caused by a downpour.TODAY spoke to engineering experts from Malaysia and Singapore to gain insights into the possible causes of the sinkhole, the likelihood of such incidents becoming more common in Kuala Lumpur, and whether similar events could occur in Singapore.
Similarly, Professor Dr Jeffrey Chiang, president of Malaysia's Institution of Engineers, said that the cause may also be associated with utilities infrastructure such as water pipes and cables underground. However, the presence of limestone under the Masjid India area was refuted by Mr Zamri Ramli, director-general of the country's minerals and geosciences department.
Responding to concerns over infrastructure, geologist Azmi Hassan said that Kuala Lumpur's above-ground infrastructure is not the main cause of the sinkhole. As part of the rescue and investigative operations, all six manholes on the road have been opened for inspection. The sewage line is 7km long and leads to a sewerage pond in Pantai Dalam.
Two days after the tourist went missing, Kuala Lumpur's mayor Maimunah Mohd Sharif told reporters at a press conference that the city “remains safe”. In January 2020, a large sinkhole appeared along Jalan Maharajalela, roughly 3km from Jalan Masjid India, causing significant traffic disruption. The authorities attributed the incident then to a burst underground water pipe that led to soil erosion.
Assoc Prof Wu said: “As far as we know, small cavities exist in the limestone areas scattered throughout the Jurong sedimentary rock formations, but these have not been known to cause any significant ground settlement or sinkholes.” “In due time, this would give a clearer picture of how risky certain areas are, which could have potential sinkholes in the near future.”“Utility pipes, especially water pipes that have been buried for more than five years, must be thoroughly checked for leakages to prevent internal erosion from worsening,” she added.
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