Cover A sinkhole opened in Kuala Lumpur, causing a 48-year-old Indian national to fall in and go missing (Photo: Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department)
A sinkhole opened in Kuala Lumpur, causing a 48-year-old Indian national to fall in and go missing (Photo: Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department)
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Following a recent sinkhole incident that led to the disappearance of an Indian tourist, Kuala Lumpur residents are growing increasingly anxious about the ground beneath their feet
Following the tragic disappearance of 48-year-old Indian tourist Vijayaletchumy, who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India last week, concerns have risen among Malaysians about the safety of the ground beneath their feet. Despite ongoing search efforts, the victim has yet to be found, leaving locals anxiously awaiting updates from the rescue team.
Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage revealed that the woman was walking along the sidewalk when the ground suddenly gave way, forming an 8 metre deep sinkhole. This incident has heightened worries about the sudden nature of these sinkholes and raised questions about the overall safety of Kuala Lumpur’s streets.
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What causes sinkholes?
Above The city of Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Getty Images)
The city of Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Getty Images)
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The frequent occurrence of sinkholes in Kuala Lumpur is primarily due to the city’s foundation on erratic karstic limestone. Research indicates that sinkholes typically form in regions with limestone bedrock, and the karstic nature of this rock increases the likelihood of such events. Moreover, Malaysia’s high rainfall levels exacerbate the instability of the limestone beneath Kuala Lumpur, leading to surface collapses into underlying voids.
Rapid urbanisation in Kuala Lumpur, with continuous industrial and developmental activities, has significantly altered the local topography and geomorphology, contributing to the high incidence of sinkholes. Moreover, the added surface loads from heavy traffic, buildings, and old mining retention ponds can trigger the formation of sinkholes, posing immediate risks in urban areas.
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What areas are safe?
Researchers have developed a hazard map highlighting areas with a high risk of sinkhole occurrences, including Ampang, Pandan Jaya, Jinjang, and Kepong. This map has a 76 per cent accuracy rate when compared to actual sinkhole incidents.
Above Map of areas in Kuala Lumpur that are at a high risk of potential sinkholes (Photo: The International Archives of the Photogrammetry)
Map of areas in Kuala Lumpur that are at a high risk of potential sinkholes (Photo: The International Archives of the Photogrammetry)
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Online discussions among Malaysians have pointed out that Jinjang's history as a mining area could explain the numerous underground caverns that may lead to sinkholes. Similarly, some have noted that high-rise development was previously restricted in Ampang and Pandan Jaya, yet several high-rise buildings have been constructed there since 2010.
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Can sinkholes be prevented?
Preventing sinkholes requires proactive measures, especially in high-risk areas. Effective urban planning and regular inspections of underground infrastructure, such as pipelines and drainage systems, are crucial to identifying and addressing potential weaknesses that could lead to sinkholes.
Monitoring the condition of the bedrock is also essential to managing groundwater and preventing excessive erosion, which can destabilise the ground. Early detection of geological shifts and weaknesses can reduce the risk and impact of sinkholes, safeguarding both the city and its residents.
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