PETALING JAYA: Experts are calling for immediate detailed surveys of high-risk locations for sinkholes after one in Kuala Lumpur recently swallowed an Indian tourist.
Academy of Professors Malaysia environment and sustainability cluster chairman Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo called for further forensic research to be conducted on the incident.
“Clues from this research could then be used to identify other potential high-risk areas.
“It does not look like a sinkhole as there is no evidence of underground limestone with cavities.
“Instead, it looks to likely be a case of land subsidence that was caused by gradual soil erosion due to subsurface water leakage, which left the pavement bricks hanging unsupported until someone stepped on them.
“To be sure, authorities must conduct forensic research immediately to understand the incident’s root course and use it as a lesson to identify other potential high-risk areas,” he said.
Prof Ibrahim then called for frequent monitoring and maintenance of these areas by the relevant agencies if their infrastructure runs underground.
“Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) should be able to detect if there are any irregularities in water pressure by monitoring its own facilities.
“Local authorities should play their part by conducting regular monitoring through visual inspection to spot any clear signs of failure or ground depression.
“Special monitoring through non-destructive methods such as geophysical or ground penetrating radar must also be carried out once in a while to ensure all is well underground,” he said.UTM deputy vice-chancellor (development) Prof Dr Edy Tonnizam Mohamad advised routine checks be done frequently at high-risk areas, especially those close to waterways.
“These locations must be marked for both the awareness of the public and so local authorities know to check these identified areas as often as possible.
“All nearby settlements surrounding the high-risk area should also be notified so they are able to alert authorities immediately if they suspect a sinkhole has begun to form.
“To this, residents and local pedestrians should also be taught how to identify signs that a sinkhole is forming, whether it be changes to the flow of water or noticeable loose soil,” he said.
