KUALA LUMPUR: MyPPP urges local councils, especially Kuala Lumpur City Hall, to implement safety measures to ensure the safety of the public in the city.
Its Federal Territories chief Sathiah Sudakaran said local authorities should conduct regular and thorough inspections of public areas, roads, and infrastructure to identify and repair potential hazards before they lead to tragedies.
"The presence of a sinkhole in an urban area highlights a critical failure in monitoring and maintenance.
"Local councils must prioritise the safety of residents by taking proactive steps to prevent such incidents," said Sathiah.
He said there was a need for a robust emergency response system, including clear communication channels, trained personnel, and necessary equipment on standby to address similar incidents swiftly.
"Our current support system reacts only when a problem arises, and by then, it's often too late.
"I still remember when the search and rescue (SAR) operation team formed only after the Highland Towers tragedy.
"We could have saved many lives if we had trained personnel then," Sathiah added.
He also called for increased public engagement, encouraging local councils to run awareness campaigns that prompt residents to report any signs of danger.
The community, he added, played a role in maintaining safety and he also highlighted the importance of cooperation between councils and the public.
Additionally, Sathiah said there should be transparency from local councils on the actions they were taking to address infrastructure issues, and called for accountability in cases of negligence.
"This tragic event should serve as a wake-up call. The time to act is now, to improve our oversight, responsiveness, and commitment to public safety.
"We cannot afford to wait until another life is endangered or lost," he said.
On Aug 23, an Indian tourist, Vijayaletchumy, 48, went missing after falling into an eight-metre sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India while passing through the road to go to a nearby temple.
A search and rescue operation was activated on the same day involving members from various security forces and local authorities using various techniques including the use of tracker dog units and the 'jetting' method.