KUALA LUMPUR: The relevant authorities have been instructed to conduct an integrity audit on the sewage pipeline along Jalan Masjid India once search and rescue (SAR) efforts to locate the missing Indian tourist has concluded.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said such an audit should be conducted as soon as possible.
"As everyone knows, a second sinkhole occurred today, thus for public safety, I have instructed for the integrity audit to be conducted, meaning the overall sewage system and pipeline for Jalan Masjid India must be checked.
"However, the integrity audit could not be done as long as the SAR is being conducted.
"Thus, it (integrity audit) must be done once the SAR is concluded," he told reporters at the sinkhole location on Wednesday (Aug 28).
The cause of the sinkholes will also be ascertained through the integrity audit, he added.
"Our priority now is the SAR operation. After the operation is concluded, we will call up all agencies involved in utilities including DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) to look at everything underground and conduct a post-mortem.
"We will also look at how to ensure similar incidents do not reoccur," he said.
On the SAR operation for missing Indian tourist Vijayalaksmi, 48, Fadillah said the operation is ongoing, consisting of various efforts, be it using rescue personnel or using technology such as cameras and other equipment.
"All efforts are being done, including inside the civil sewage system until the Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) treatment plant in Pantai Dalam.
"In terms of using tech, the SAR team is focusing on this location and we hope the efforts are smooth and successful," he said.
He said the authorities are always in contact with the family members and the Indian High Commission.
Fadillah also called on the public to not speculate on the incidents.
"I know there are a lot Google ‘experts' out there. Don't do it as it will not help anyone," he said.
Asked whether the Jalan Masjid India area is still safe, Fadillah said it is for now.
"So, any areas or routes cordoned off must not be used.
"Follow all instructions from the relevant authorities," he said.
On whether the government will seek assistance from foreign experts, Fadillah said local expertise is sufficient.
"We have enough local experts from the Fire and Rescue Department, police and other agencies as well as engineers," he said.
