PUTRAJAYA, Aug 26 — The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been instructed to work closely with geologists and infrastructure experts to assess and mitigate sinkhole risks.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said she was in constant communication with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif to identify immediate and long-term strategies to tackle the issue.
She said it also includes the possibility of reviewing the urban planning policies in Kuala Lumpur to reduce sinkhole incidents effectively.
“The Federal Territories Department and DBKL will also strengthen the standard operating procedures for development by ensuring geotechnical studies done by certified engineers are submitted at an earlier stage, specifically during the planning approval application process,” she said in a statement here today.
Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha said she is in close communication with High Commissioner of India to Malaysia B.N. Reddy, providing regular updates on the search and rescue operations of a tourist from India who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India on August 23.
“Everyone needs to remain calm. Our priority now is the safety and well-being of the residents in Kuala Lumpur. I am committed to tackling this issue.
“Recent incidents in Kuala Lumpur provide an opportunity for all parties, including DBKL, to examine and improve monitoring and response methods to such incidents,” she added.
— Bernama
