THERE were no new leads in the search for Indian tourist Vijayaletchumy, 48, who fell into a sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India on Friday, Bernama reports.
The search has yet to yield results after 72 hours.
The search and rescue team, comprising 104 members of security agencies and authorities, resumed the search at 9.30am yesterday. Despite searching five of six Indah Water Konsortium sewer manholes, they found nothing.
The Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, police, City Hall, and IWK held meeting chaired by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Maimunah Mohd Shariff. They decided to use the flushing technique at the fifth and sixth manholes, near Bank Pertanian Lebuh Pasar Besar and Kinabalu Roundabout, as the water current in these manholes was slow, possibly due to blockage or debris. The operation began last night and is still ongoing.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has been monitoring the operation's progress, indicated yesterday that the search for the victim would continue.
Dang Wangi district police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman gave similar assurances during a media conference, stating that the search did not have a deadline and would continue until the victim was found.
Meanwhile, residents at the 160-unit Malayan Mansion flats, located less than 50m from the sinkhole, have expressed concern for their safety. They fear that recent heavy rains could have affected the area's soil structure.
Maimunah assured the public that Kuala Lumpur, including Jalan Masjid India, is safe.
She said there was no evidence to support online claims of a potential giant sinkhole forming in the city. Authorities have established a task force, including the Geology Department and the Public Works Department, to study the situation. – August 26, 2024.
