Sinkhole disaster just the beginning, hazards persist in Kuala Lumpur, says MCA

AN MCA Youth leader has expressed concern over the spate of troubling incidents in Kuala Lumpur recently, including the appearance of an eight-metre-deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India, as well as another sunken road just 50 metres away from the first sinkhole that was spotted earlier this morning (Aug 28).

Its deputy information chief Mike Chong Yew Chuan said despite KL mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif’s reassurance that the city centre remains a safe place to live, ongoing infrastructure issues continue to surface.

“The Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) response should reflect the urgency of these issues and prioritise effective solutions and not dismiss valid concerns by citing a lack of evidence,” he said in a statement.

The MCA Youth Federal Territory chairman was referring to a claim on social media that the city was the most unsafe place in the country, with the potential for a “giant sinkhole” to appear at any time – a claim that Maimunah had refuted.

This is following the incident where a 48-year-old woman from India had fallen into the sinkhole on the sidewalk along Jalan Masjid India in the city centre on Aug 23.

CCTV footage captured the moment she vanished while walking towards a nearby temple.

The search and rescue efforts have faced difficulties due to strong underground currents and hazardous conditions.

Despite deploying teams of scuba divers and implementing a new flushing method to clear blockages, there have been no significant developments.

“As we approach the fifth day of the search and rescue operation for (the victim), new incidents continue to emerge,” Chong noted.

“Just less than 24 hours ago, a drain collapsed in Kampung Kerinchi, creating a large hole in the sidewalk. This is part of a troubling pattern of infrastructure failures in the city.

“In May, a large tree fell in Jalan Sultan Ismail, causing significant damage to vehicles, a bus stop, and a monorail track.”

(Image: Bernama)

More recently, Chong pointed out that the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) had called for a thorough investigation into the partial collapse of a retaining wall at Jalan Genting Klang near Kem Wardieburn.

The wall’s collapse, attributed to continuous rain in the area since Aug 21, led to the evacuation of 52 residents from 17 terrace house in the nearby Taman Bunga Raya.

“These incidents, along with numerous unreported issues such as potholes, drainage problems, and flooding, raise serious questions about the safety of KL’s infrastructure,” Chong said.

“DBKL’s reassurances seem insufficient given the frequency and severity of these events. They need to take a more proactive approach including the release of detailed maps and reports outlining the locations and causes of recent infrastructure failures, including sinkholes and collapses.”

According to Chong, implementing a comprehensive maintenance plan to address potholes, drainage issues, and other hazards is also a priority as maintenance enhancement.

He went on to propose that DBKL invest in advanced technology and tools to better detect and manage infrastructure issues before they escalate into major problems.

“Regular inspections and upgrades to drainage systems will also help citizens cope with Malaysia’s heavy rainfall and prevent future collapses in infrastructure,” he added.

“Addressing these areas is vital for mitigating risks and ensuring that Kuala Lumpur can genuinely be considered a safe place to live.” – Aug 28, 2024

 

Main image: JBPM

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