Concerned Masjid India traders want concrete solution

Following the alarming appearance of two sinkholes in Masjid India, desperate traders are seeking immediate government intervention to save the once-thriving tourist hotspot from decline.

Since the first sinkhole incident last Friday, the traders noted that bustling crowds have vanished, leaving the area quiet and threatening the livelihoods of those who depend on the steady flow of visitors.

For 47-year-old Sarine Shamima Bahurdeen, a gold shop employee who has worked in Masjid India for 20 years, the incidents have sparked widespread fear among tourists, deterring them from visiting the area.

“I feel afraid and nervous, just like everyone else. Now, the moment someone mentions ‘Masjid India’, people are gripped with fear and no longer feel safe.

“Our usual customers used to flock here on Fridays and weekends, but now, we rarely see them,” Sarine told Malaysiakini.

Dwindling tourists

Last Friday, a tourist, 48-year-old Vijayaletchumy from Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India, fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole and disappeared.

Another sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India, 50m away from the first sinkhole

As the search mission continues, another sinkhole opened today, just 50m from the first incident.

Another trader, 44-year-old Siti Aishah Salvador, claimed that the usual crowd in the area has dwindled by about 50 percent.

“I’m truly afraid and feel like I’m risking my life by coming here,” she admitted.

“But this is my livelihood, so I keep praying to God, hoping He will protect everyone.”

Before the accident, Aishah said tourists worldwide would visit, but now, only the traders remain.

Regain public trust

While Sarine and Aishah openly voiced their concerns, at least three other traders declined to speak with Malaysiakini, fearing that negative comments might further deter the already dwindling flow of tourists.

Therefore, Sarine and Aishah urgently called on the government to take action and restore safety to Masjid India.

Police tape surrounds businesses on Jalan Masjid India

With the significant drop in tourists, Sarine expressed deep concern about the impact on businesses.

“Business owners still have to pay rent and salaries, and the lack of tourists severely affects us.

“I hope the government will act swiftly to regain public trust and bring visitors back to the area. This is a major tourist spot, so the government must move quickly,” she said.

Aishah echoed these concerns, urging the government to repair the roads and pavements in the area and make them more secure.

“I hope the government will help small traders like me by reassuring tourists that the area is safe again.

“They should fix the roads, improve them, and reinforce areas that aren’t concrete. They must do their best,” she added.

Similarly, 65-year-old security guard Ramalingam Raju urged the public to trust the local authorities to address the problem.

“The day before the incident, I noticed some slightly tilted benches. I was worried something might happen, so I avoided the area. The next day, I read about the sinkhole.

“I believe the Kuala Lumpur City Council will do their best to fix the issue. Let them do their job,” he added. - Mkini