A GEOTECHNICAL study to map soil layers in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle area is set to begin in early November.
The one-year study will be carried out by a task force after a consultant is appointed, says Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
She said this follows a RM10mil Federal Government allocation for the study.
"We just got the allocation in October and we are now in the final process of appointing the consultant to prepare the study," she said after launching Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Calendar of Event 2026 at Mayor's Courtyard, Jalan Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur.
According to a DBKL statement, the study aims to chart the soil structure in the area to determine suitable methods for underground works such as pipe and cable installation.
The findings will help identify appropriate techniques for installation of pipes, cables and similar infrastructure.
It was previously reported that RM10mil had been allocated in Budget 2025 to carry out the underground utility mapping study, following the sinkhole incident at Jalan Masjid India in August last year.
Indian tourist G. Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, went missing after falling into an 8m-deep sinkhole on the morning of Aug 23 last year.
Meanwhile, some Cheras residents are urging City Hall to expedite the underground utility mapping exercise to their area amid growing concerns over recurring road depressions and sinkholes.
Taman Cantik resident Sukhdev Singh Cheema (pic) said there had been a sinkhole incident and three cases of ground subsidence reported within six months.
The sinkhole in April had forced the temporary closure of sections of Jalan Selar, Jalan Selangat and Jalan Semerah Padi in Taman Pertama for public safety.
“The most recent case was in early October when there was another ground subsidence at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Serkut.
“It was patched up by DBKL within a few days, but our concern is what is happening below ground.
“These incidents are all taking place within 50m of each other,” he said.
Sukhdev, who is also a committee member of Taman Cantik Kuala Lumpur Residents Association (PPTCKL), said they are requesting a dialogue session with DBKL and related agencies to discuss long-term solutions.
“We hope DBKL can share their findings and plans for preventive measures.
“Residents are worried because these ground movements are becoming more frequent and temporary repairs are not enough,” he said.
PPTCKL ordinary member Chan Yoke Sang said repeated incidents within a small radius suggested deeper structural issues that required detailed investigation.
“Before another major collapse happens, it is important for the authorities to study the underground conditions thoroughly and ensure the area is safe for motorists and residents,” he said.
