Sukhdev (left) showing the subsidence at the junction of Jalan Selar and Jalan Senohong 1 during a site visit with DBKL representatives and stakeholders. — Photos: Low Lay Phon/The Star
Residents want DBKL to make repairs, speed up utility mapping
CHERAS residents are urging the authorities to speed up a utility mapping study in their area, citing concerns about sinkholes.
They are calling on Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to act quickly after noticing at least two new cases of ground subsidence near an initial sinkhole site at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat in Taman Pertama.
The incident led to the closure of parts of both roads as well as Jalan Semerah Padi for public safety.
Although the affected roads reopened in May, the site remains closed for ongoing monitoring.
Resident Sukhdev Singh Cheema, who lives in nearby Taman Cantik, said one case of subsidence was seen at the junction of Jalan Selar and Jalan Senohong 1, less than 100m from an earlier sinkhole.
“The interlocking bricks are visibly sinking and it’s getting worse,” he said, adding that another depression had appeared at a corner of Jalan Selangat, which residents believe was covered up earlier this week.
“That spot has caved in several times over the past five years.
“It was repaired each time but keeps recurring,” he said after a site visit.
Above: The sinkhole area at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat remains closed for monitoring.
Also at the location were DBKL officers from the Civil Engineering and Drainage Department, residents and a representative from Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai’s office.
Sukhdev, a member of Cheras Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) for sub-zone 3, said a thorough study of the underground system was necessary given the repeated incidents.
He also pointed out that the area served as a key access route for residents from five neighbourhoods.
“With the constant high traffic here, we need to be sure it is safe.”
Taman Cantik resident Lee Cheok Seng said the current road condition along Jalan Selar was dangerous to motorists.
“The uneven surface can damage vehicle undercarriages and it is especially hazardous for motorcyclists.
“There are also inadequate hazard lights marking the cordoned-off area,” he said.
A DBKL spokesperson said it would take note of residents’ concerns and carry out further investigations.
StarMetro previously reported that DBKL’s initial checks at the site indicated the sinkhole was not caused by pipe leaks, such as water or sewerage lines.
It said further investigations were focused on the underground drainage system, particularly a box culvert located 7m beneath the road.
Inspections using drone technology and aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), the authority said, had reportedly revealed damage to the culvert, which was identified as the cause of soil erosion and cavity formation in the surrounding area.
Repair works are expected to take between three and six months, depending on the method chosen.
The authority also said that permanent repair of the box culvert structure would be carried out without the need to excavate the road surface, to minimise disruption.
