KUALA LUMPUR: A thorough investigation by a high-level committee must be conducted to identify the causes of sinkholes and remedial steps to ensure no repeat of such occurrences, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said the latest incident where a woman was swallowed up by a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur has sent chills down the spine of residents and tourists but sadly it was not the first time that a sinkhole occurred in the city.
"This calls for a high-level committee chaired by no less than the Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and comprising the KL Mayor, senior engineers, geologists, and officials from various other departments.
"In particular, it should include officials from the Minerals and Geoscience Department of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry," he said when contacted on Sunday (Aug 25).
Lee said the committee should complete its task swiftly to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of the millions of people who walk the streets on a daily basis for work, leisure or to schools.
"Generally, sinkholes form in areas with limestone or gypsum beds.
"Rainwater which is slightly acidic can dissolve these rocks over time, leading to underground voids," he said.
Natural events such as heavy rainfall can erode soil, causing the ground above to become unstable, he added.
"Poor drainage systems or burst water pipes can lead to excessive water flow underground, increasing erosion and the potential for sinkholes thus the relevant authorities should check whether the current water management is adequate.
"Excavation and heavy construction, though unlikely to happen in built up areas, can lead to ground instability," he said.
Lee called on the authorities to monitor land surface changes regularly to identify signs of potential sinkholes.
"They should also regularly monitor traditional and social media for instances of public complaints regarding cracks in roads and sidewalks and take remedial action immediately.
"Often, we hear of cases when public complaints are not addressed adequately, slow in responding or not at all," he said.
The challenge is to identify potential spots and take the right precautions, Lee said.
"A tragedy like the one that has just occurred on Jalan Masjid India not only affects public safety but also has serious implications for the business community there," he said.
