KUALA LUMPUR: The entire stretch of Jalan Masjid India will remain closed for the time being, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He said an integrity audit will be initiated on the underground utilities once the search and rescue for Vijayaletchumy, who was swallowed up by a sinkhole last week, is concluded.

Fadillah was speaking to reporters after visiting Masjid India following the emergence of a second sinkhole early Wednesday morning.

With him was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, Indah Water Konsortium chief executive officer Narendran Maniam and Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman.

Fadillah said, following the emergence of a second sinkhole in Masjid India, the authorities must look into the public safety aspect.

"I have ordered that an integrity audit be conducted. This means that we will check the entire area to find out the cause of the incident," he said, adding that this audit would only be conducted once the search is completed.

He said all relevant parties, including the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and all agencies that have laid utilities underground, would be called up.

"This is so that we can see what utilities are underground in order to facilitate a post-mortem on the incident.

"This is also to ensure that such incidents are not repeated," he said, adding that the entire drainage system will be looked into.

When asked about the possibility of foreign agencies being called in to help in the search, Fadillah said he believed that Malaysia had enough domestic experts involved in the efforts now.

"We have experts from the police, Fire and Rescue Department, and even engineers and various technology being utilised currently.

"God willing, there are many who are willing to help, including with the use of cameras and such," he said.

Earlier, another sinkhole emerged about 50m away from the initial site where Vijayaletchumy, a tourist from India here with her family, was swallowed up.

The second sinkhole is located just in front of the Masjid India police post.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall has assured the public it will closely monitor Jalan Masjid India after the second sinkhole appeared.

It said, in a statement, that the affected area has been cordoned off and safety barriers have been placed to prevent public access.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1097891/updated-jalan-masjid-india-closed-until-safety-audit-completed