Zaliha tells KL mayor to work with experts to reduce sinkhole risks

 

Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (in blue) at the site of the sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa says she has instructed Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Sharif to work closely with geologists and infrastructure experts to assess and reduce the risk of sinkholes in the city.

Zaliha said she is in regular communication with Maimunah to identify immediate action and long-term strategies to prevent sinkholes in Kuala Lumpur.

In a statement, she said they might review urban planning policies in the city to more effectively reduce the risk of incidents such as that which happened on Jalan Masjid India last Friday.

In the incident, an Indian tourist identified as Vijayaletchumy, 48, disappeared after falling into an eight-metre deep sinkhole as she was walking to a nearby temple. The search and rescue operation entered its fourth day today.

Zaliha said the federal territories department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will strengthen their SOPs for development by ensuring that geotechnical studies by certified engineers are submitted at the planning approval stage.

The planning approval stage refers to a formal phase in the development process where proposed construction or land use changes are reviewed and authorised by relevant authorities before any physical work can commence.

I appreciate the concern from all parties regarding the issue of land subsidence around Kuala Lumpur, and it is crucial that this issue is addressed with factual and well-founded actions rather than rhetoric and measures that may cause public anxiety,

 she said.

“Everyone needs to remain calm. Our current priority is the safety and well-being of all Kuala Lumpur residents.

I urge all parties not to take advantage of the situation. There is no need to seek cheap publicity or politicise this issue. Our focus now is on finding constructive solutions for the safety and well-being of everyone.

Zaliha was responding to a statement by Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi about her alleged nonchalance on the concerns by residents at the flats on Jalan Masjid India about another sinkhole appearing in the area. - FMT