The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation for Indian tourist Vijayalaksmi, 48, who fell into a sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India, has been officially called off on the ninth day of the operation on Saturday (Aug 31). Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the decision was made after presenting a report to the Cabinet and getting views from experts, including from the Fire and Rescue Department, the police, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), and other relevant agencies.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police will continue to monitor and patrol the sinkhole area at Jalan Masjid India here periodically after the search and rescue operation switched to the search and recovery phase.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said it was to ensure public safety around the area.
"I think Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is better suited to issue statements on restoration efforts while the police will focus more on public safety, monitoring and periodic patrols,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
He also advised the public to not get too close to the incident location.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa announced that operations have shifted to the search and recovery phase on Saturday (Aug 31), nine days after Indian tourist Vijayalakshmi, 48, went missing after falling into a sinkhole that opened up at her feet on the morning of Aug 23.
She added that the decision was made after considering expert views and the Cabinet’s decision.
The search and rescue operation had involved 194 individuals from various government agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, DBKL, the Civil Defence Force, Indah Water Konsortium, and the police.- Bernama
