KUALA LUMPUR: Traders around Masjid India are grappling with mixed feelings of fear and concern, as well as a significant drop in business following recent sinkhole incidents.
Shamima Bahuddin, a jewellery shop operator who has worked in the area for 20 years, expressed her anxiety about coming to work.
"I feel terrified every time I come to work and always watch the road beneath, fearing I might fall.
"This is the first incident of its kind since I've been here, and the longer I stay, the more afraid I am," she said.
Hasbi Idris, 57, who has been a trader in Masjid India for 25 years, voiced concern about the impact on tourism.
"Many tourists come here to shop, and this incident might deter them, which could severely affect our sales. Since it happened, my sales have dropped by almost 70 per cent," he said.
Another trader, Kenny Cheong, compared the situation to the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Usually, I have around 50 to 100 customers a day, but now, I only get five to 15, mostly regulars and local residents. If this continues for two or three more weeks, we might not be able to afford the rent," he said.