Second Sinkhole Emerges in Central Kuala Lumpur, Sparking Safety Concerns
A second sinkhole has appeared on Jalan Masjid India, a busy street in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, just 50 meters away from the site of the first sinkhole. This development has raised serious safety concerns and significantly impacted businesses in the area.
The latest incident occurred in the early hours of August 28, following a night of storms in the Dang Wangi district of Kuala Lumpur. Jalan Masjid India, known for its bustling shops and eateries, has become a focal point of concern as two sinkholes have formed within just a few days. Local authorities quickly cordoned off the entire street and dispatched personnel from the Malaysian Minerals and Geoscience Department to the site. Experts are now diligently inspecting the underground drainage systems beneath the street and surrounding areas to identify the cause of these sinkholes.
Notably, the new sinkhole appeared close to the location of the first sinkhole, which led to a tragic incident on August 23. A female tourist from India was walking on the sidewalk when she suddenly fell into an 8-meter-deep hole and disappeared. Despite all rescue efforts, there has been no sign of the victim. This incident prompted local authorities to establish barriers within a 500-meter radius around the sinkhole to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Businesses on Jalan Masjid India have also suffered severely. The Palace Hotel, one of the prominent hotels in the area, reported a 20% cancellation rate for room bookings since the incident occurred. Shops and restaurants on the street are struggling to stay open as the number of customers has drastically declined.
Professor Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin, President of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia, suggested that the proximity of the two sinkholes could indicate a potential connection. He warned that a damaged underground pipe might have caused water leakage, leading to soil erosion. This not only increases the risk of additional sinkholes forming but also raises the possibility of the entire street collapsing, creating a massive sinkhole.
Authorities are currently working with experts to implement necessary preventive measures and closely monitor the situation. It is crucial to swiftly determine the cause and undertake repairs to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
