Search for KL sinkhole victim halted; police to decide on next steps

The search and rescue operation for an Indian tourist who fell into a sinkhole in downtown Kuala Lumpur on Aug 23 has been officially called off.

- Zunaira Saieed

"There are various factors for halting the operation, which include the safety and health of the rescue personnel," said Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), on Aug 31.

The discovery of a second sinkhole about 50m from the one that the tourist had fallen into had also raised concerns over the safety of the area, she added at a press conference.

The decision was made after consulting experts from the Fire and Rescue Department, the police, the waste company and other relevant agencies and after informing the Cabinet, she said.

"The family of the victim has been informed, and we are in constant contact with them and the Indian High Commission," she added.

The tourist, Ms Vijayalaksmi, from Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh state, had fallen 8m into the sinkhole that opened up on the pavement in Jalan Masjid India, a popular tourist shopping district, on Aug 23. The 48-year-old was heading towards a nearby temple.

Following the halting of the search operation, Dr Zaliha said the Malaysian police will lead the subsequent phase of search and recovery, determining the next steps to be taken.