IWK denies fault in Kampung Kerinchi sinkhole
This denial contradicts the previous statement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
SHAH ALAM - Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) has refuted the claim that a faulty pipe caused the recent land subsidence in Kampung Kerinchi.
This denial comes in response to a recent statement made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who had attributed the land subsidence incident at Jalan Pantai Permai, Kampung Kerinchi, to a faulty IWK pipe.
During a visit to the site on Wednesday, Zaliha confirmed that the damaged pipe had destabilised the surrounding land, leading to the collapse.
“We have reviewed the situation and received information indicating that this incident was caused by a problematic IWK pipe located deeper underground.
“This caused the surrounding land in the area to become unstable, ultimately leading to the incident,” she said when met by reporters during her visit to the land subsidence site in Kampung Kerinchi on Wednesday, which was also attended by the Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
However, IWK's operations team conducted a thorough inspection immediately after receiving the report from DBKL.
Their findings contradicted the Minister's statement.
According to IWK’s statement, the sewage flow in the sewer line was functioning normally, and further inspection using closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras confirmed that both the public sewerage pipes and manholes were in good condition, with no signs of damage.
“IWK believes that the incident was caused by another factor, which requires a detailed investigation by other relevant agencies.
“The CCTV investigation results have been communicated to DBKL by IWK,” it said.
This incident marks yet another sinkhole occurrence, following last week's sinkhole shocking incident involving an Indian tourist at Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur (KL).
Vijayaletchumy, 48, fell into the sinkhole that appeared suddenly on the pavement in Jalan Masjid India where she was walking towards a nearby temple.
The authorities believe the woman was then swept into the underground sewer tunnels as waters gushed due to recent heavy rain.
