I AM prompted to write this piece after my wife expressed concerns over the stability of many buildings near the reported sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur.

Sinkholes are daily occurrences globally, on lands occupied for business, residence, sport, farming, mining, or other activities, and in uninhabited or unexplored natural areas.

This happens when the soil beneath the surface has been washed away by underground water, leaving a small hole or creating a giant cave. Therefore, sizes of sinkholes can range from a few metres to several hundred metres deep.

What happened near Jalan Masjid India recently was not a sinkhole but the walkway covering the monsoon drain suddenly broke, and the unfortunate victim fell into it.

I remember there used to be an uncovered huge monsoon drain in Brickfields flowing into the Klang River decades ago. It was later covered up as people or cars falling into it could easily be swept away after heavy rains.

As a precaution, I had always avoided stepping on concrete covers, metal manhole covers or grilles, and on surfaces that are wet, oily, uneven or strewn with pebbles.

Also, there could be hidden danger if you detect something hollow in the ground you stepped on. - Aug 30, 2024

YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.

https://focusmalaysia.my/was-that-a-sinkhole-near-jalan-masjid-india/