Bomba: Tape used to monitor earth movement, not repair cracks

PETALING JAYA: Masking tape used over cracks on the road where two large sinkholes appeared at the intersection of Jalan Pudu and Jalan Hang Tuah in Kuala Lumpur are for the purpose of monitoring earth movement and do not constitute a "repair".

"One of the reasons why personnel are using masking tape is to monitor earth movement, and it is not a joke or something to be made fun of," the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said in a statement on its Facebook page Wednesday evening.

The Department blasted those mocking the use of the tape in the many memes circulating on the Internet, with some alleging it was used to "repair" cracks on the road.

It said the area surrounding the site of any sinkhole was still dangerous, and any movement of heavy machinery there could cause further collapse, adding that measures had been taken to ensure the safety of those assessing the damage.

"The best way to monitor any earth movement is to measure it on site.

"All measurement techniques are determined by the equipment used. One should first be fully aware of the techniques involved before mocking the actions," it said.

Azizan Ismail, the Department's city assistant director (operations), earlier said the tunnel, which is part of the Pudu underpass project by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), collapsed at two places at approximately 10.38am and 12.20pm, Wednesday, which led to the sinkholes.

It ended its statement saying, "don't be ignorant, if unsure, ask".