KUALA LUMPUR: The relevant authorities have been instructed to conduct an integrity audit on the sewerage infrastructure at Jalan Masjid India once the search and rescue (SAR) operation for an Indian tourist has been concluded, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

“As everyone knows, a second sinkhole has occurred, and for the sake of public safety, I have instructed for the integrity audit to be conducted on the overall sewage system for Jalan Masjid India.

“However, the integrity audit could not be done as long as the SAR is being conducted.

“Thus, it (integrity audit) must be done once the SAR is concluded,” he told reporters at the sinkhole location here yesterday.

Various agencies will be involved in the integrity audit including Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and utility providers.

“We will also look at how to ensure the same incidents do not recur,” he said.

On the SAR operation for 48- year-old Vijayalaksmi, Fadillah said the operation was ongoing using various methods and equipment.

“All efforts are being done, including (searching) inside the sewerage system all the way until the Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) treatment plant at Pantai Dalam.

“In terms of using tech, the SAR team is focusing at this location,” he said, adding that authorities are constantly in touch with the victim’s family members and the India High Commission.

Fadillah also called on the public to not speculate on the incidents.

“I know many Google ‘experts’ will come out. Don’t do it as it will not help anyone,” he said, adding that the Jalan Masjid India area is still safe.

“Areas or routes cordoned off must not be used, and please follow all instructions from relevant authorities,” he said.

On whether the government would seek assistance from foreign experts, Fadillah said there was sufficient local expertise.

“We have enough local experts from Fire and Rescue Services Department, the police and other agencies, as well as engineers and technology,” said Fadillah, who was accompanied by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, and Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman.

Meanwhile, the Minerals and Geosciences Department is using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to conduct a ground integrity assessment along the sewerage channel at Jalan Masjid India.

This came after a second sinkhole occurred some 50m from the first one, leading to more routes and pathways along Jalan Masjid India being cordoned off on the sixth day of the SAR.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/29/dpm-conduct-integrity-audit