THE search-and-rescue (SAR) operation for the woman who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur last week has been called off.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the decision was made after a detailed evaluation of expert advice, with today marking the ninth day of the operation.

“After nine days of SAR, and following consultations with the cabinet, experts, police, the search team, DBKL, geologists, and others, we have decided to halt the search efforts today,” she informed reporters at the sinkhole site.

Zaliha added that the SAR operation to locate the missing woman has now transitioned into a search and recovery operation, which will be taken over by the police.

She said safety concerns from the fire and rescue department, particularly after the discovery of a 15-metre blockage in an Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd pipeline.

Another factor considered was the safety of the surrounding areas, following the identification of another sinkhole near the initial one.

“We need to resume normal activities here and ensure the safety of people using these streets. Efforts to locate the woman will continue despite the end of the SAR operation, but they will now move to a different phase and fall under the responsibility of different agencies.

“DBKL will manage the recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas, which includes cordoning off the entrance from Mydin to ensure public safety,” she explained, adding that the relevant parties understand the rationale behind discontinuing the active search.

Zaliha also mentioned that the victim’s family had been informed of the decision and that their visas have been extended for another week to accommodate them during this time.

Last Friday, G. Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, from India, fell into the sinkhole, prompting the SAR operation to be activated the same day. – August 31, 2024.