Sinkhole: SAR operation halted, now entering search and recovery phase

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the Indian national who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India here has been halted, with efforts now shifting to the search and recovery phase.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the decision was made after considering expert opinions and the Cabinet’s views.

“We consulted with experts before making this decision. After gathering input from PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police), the Fire and Rescue Department, DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall), IWK (Indah Water Konsortium), our geological partners and other agencies, we decided to conclude the SAR today,” she said at a media briefing at the scene.

On Aug 23, the Indian woman, identified as G. Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, went missing after falling into an eight-metre-deep hole while on her way to a nearby temple.

— BERNAMA