Relentless digging: An aerial view of workers conducting a follow-up on the sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur into which a woman fell. — KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
Weather, embankment soil erosion also contributed
PETALING JAYA: Human activity, the weather and erosion of the embankment soil below the surface were the main causes of the Aug 23 Jalan Masjid India sinkhole, says the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
“Investigations pointed out that the sinkhole was the result of several factors, namely anthropogenic factors (human activity), the weather and erosion of the embankment soil layer below the surface.
“A technical report on the results of investigations related to geology and subsurface structures will be prepared by the Masjid India Soil Structure Task Force, led by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, within a period of three months,” the ministry said in a statement.
It said that the Mineral and Geoscience Department had used ground penetration radar equipment to get an overview of the geological strata and subsurface utility system of the sinkhole area for the purpose of a comprehensive recovery process by the responsible authorities.
The ministry also made clear that the initial findings of the department showed that Kuala Lumpur is safe to live in.
“The public should get verified information from the authorities on any geological disasters,” it added.
According to the ministry, the bedrock in Kuala Lumpur is based on an estimated 30% limestone and 70% consisting of granite and metasedimentary rocks, which are the Kenny Hill Formation, Hawthornden schist and Dinding schist.
“The sinkhole area is based on schist, phyllite and quartzite rocks of the Kenny Hill Formation.”
The ministry added that it has increased efforts to identify threats and prevent landslides and sinkholes in the city.
“We will further increase monitoring, maintenance, procedures and subsurface investigation methods covering underground construction structures to identify and avoid any possible threats of landslides and sinkholes.
“The ministry, through the Mineral and Geoscience Department, is also improving subsurface data of the Klang Valley, which involves 10 local authorities.
“This will be made under the Greater KL Subsurface Geological Mapping Project to complete the existing information on the subsurface conditions of Kuala Lumpur, which has been carried out under the 3DKL project.”
On Aug 23, an Indian tourist went missing after falling into an 8m-deep sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India.
Despite a nine-day search-and-rescue operation, the woman was not found.
