KUALA LUMPUR: The family of Vijayaletchumy, who disappeared after being swallowed by a sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India here is ready to face any eventuality.
Special officer to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, A. Arvend said this after speaking to her family members at the scene on Monday.
"I was instructed by the deputy prime minister to check on their welfare and hand over some cash aid to them," he told reporters at the scene on Monday.
Arvend, who is the special officer in charge of the welfare of the Indian community, said when he spoke to the family members right after they returned from the Immigration Department.
"They have been granted a one-month extension on their visa.
"They told me that they were ready to face any outcome. They do not have any expectations," he said, adding that the family members only request was that they be able to see the victim's face again.
He said the family members also urged him to help push the authorities to expedite the search and rescue efforts.
"I assured them that the authorities are working their hardest to find the victim. I told them that all the personnel working the case are committed to finding her," he said.
The search and rescue operation for the Indian tourist who plunged into a sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India here is now on its fourth day.
According to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall media unit, checks are ongoing by the Fire and Rescue Department at the Indah Water Konsoritium Pantai Dalam plant in search of Vijayaletchumy.
It said in a statement on Monday that IWK will be operating a jetter to break up debris in a manhole located about 69 metres downstream from the location of the incident.
"IWK has already implemented flushing at manhole five from late last night until 2am today, but has yet to find any clues.
"To ensure seamless search efforts, the public is advised not to gather near the scene," it said.
Earlier this morning, rescue personnel were sighted climbing down one of the manholes some 50 metres from the sinkhole.
Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force personnel were also seen opening the manhole at about 9.30am today.
Some were carrying ropes and other equipment before descending into the manhole.
There has been no new lead to locate Vijayaletchumy, 48, who fell into the sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India on Friday.
Rescuers only found a pair of slippers belonging to her near the location.