The search for G. Vijaya Lakshmi, an Indian woman who fell into a sinkhole in Malaysia on August 23, was halted on Saturday due to “extremely challenging” conditions. The sinkhole, which formed on Jalan Masjid in Kuala Lumpur, led to a nine-day search effort that concluded when authorities deemed the conditions too hazardous.
Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, announced the decision after consulting with experts, including police, geologists, and search teams. She explained, “After nine days of search and rescue and consideration from the Cabinet as well as experts including the police, the search team, geologists and more, we’ve decided to halt the search efforts today.”
Despite detecting an obstruction during the search, it could not be definitively identified. Dr. Zaliha highlighted the risk to search personnel due to the challenging conditions and the emergence of a second sinkhole, which increased concerns about safety. “At this point, we also have to consider the safety of the SAR personnel involved as conditions for the SAR were extremely challenging,” she said.
The minister noted that efforts to locate the woman would continue in a different capacity, with Kuala Lumpur City Hall taking over responsibilities for utility mapping, land structure analysis, and recovery efforts. “DBKL will handle the recovery and reconstruction in the affected areas, which will include cordoning off the entrance from Mydin to ensure public safety,” Dr. Zaliha added.
She confirmed that the Indian ambassador to Malaysia had been informed of the decision and expressed appreciation for the efforts made. The victim’s family has been informed and their visas extended for another week. The search and rescue operation, which involved various security forces and local authorities, used methods including tracker dogs and the ‘jetting’ technique.