KL remains safe, submersion fears unfounded - Expert
Goh also said that to mitigate long-term risks, it was crucial for residents, businesses and the public to be educated about sinkholes and how to recognise early warning signs.
SHAH ALAM - Kuala Lumpur (KL) remains safe and is not at risk of submersion, with experts refuting claims that suggest otherwise as exaggerated and baseless.
Following last week’s sinkhole incident at Jalan Masjid India, public concern regarding the city’s safety has intensified.
However, an expert reassured the public that KL is not in danger of submersion, dismissing such fears as unfounded.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Geohazard and Engineering Geology Expert IR Dr Goh Thian Lai said that evidence strongly supported the argument that thorough soil investigation was crucial for developments on limestone terrain.
“In such areas, extensive soil assessments are conducted to identify cavities and fractures, along with field identification and geophysical methods to pinpoint potential sinkholes.
“Once detected, engineering interventions like injecting epoxy, concrete or grout into the cavities are implemented to prevent sinkhole formation," he told Sinar Daily when contacted yesterday.
He emphasised that sinkholes in KL are primarily caused by human activities, classifying them as anthropogenic sinkholes, which typically occur on roads and do not necessitate relocating the capital.
“KL remains safe and is not at risk of submersion. Claims suggesting that KL is unsafe are exaggerated and unfounded,” he emphasised.
Goh also said that to mitigate long-term risks, it was crucial for residents, businesses and the public to be educated about sinkholes and how to recognise early warning signs.
“Awareness of tension cracks and early subsidence indicators can help in identifying potential sinkholes.
“Therefore, academic institutions and the government should spearhead awareness programmes that cover not only sinkholes but also other geological hazards such as debris flows, floods, tsunamis, rockfalls and landslides,” he said.
Yesterday, KL Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif emphasised that there was no substantial evidence to support claims that KL is unsafe for habitation.
She stressed that the city has been developed over a long period and any assertions regarding its safety must be supported by strong evidence and thorough studies.
Meanwhile, the search for 48-year-old Indian tourist Vijayaletchumy, who fell into an eight-metre-deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India, continues despite extensive efforts by authorities.
Vijayaletchumy disappeared on Aug 23 while walking towards a nearby temple, with CCTV capturing the moment she vanished into the sinkhole.
The search and rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to strong underground currents and hazardous conditions. Despite deploying various teams and techniques, including scuba divers and a new flushing method to clear blockages, no new leads have emerged.
While the incident has raised safety concerns, authorities assure that KL remains safe and the search for Vijayaletchumy will continue indefinitely until she is found.
