KUALA LUMPUR: Traders on Jalan Masjid India are relieved as customers begin to return after nearly ten days of disruption caused by a sinkhole on Aug 23.
Berita Harian's checks today showed that while foot traffic is picking up, people remain cautious, especially near the incident site.
Fruit vendor Pak Ali, 61, shared his relief at the return of customers to his stall.
"Before, we had no customers and our daily sales plummeted from RM500 to RM200 during the search and rescue (SAR) operations. Though things are improving, business is not back to normal. Many customers are still wary about safety. We have to keep operating to cover staff wages and because we've been here for generations," he said.
Food vendor Noor Shuhaidah Shahidan, 60, reported a sharp drop in income from RM2,000 to RM500.
"Even SAR officers aren't eating here, which has led to a severe decline in sales. It's challenging to pay staff wages and recover our capital. Before the incident, we had many customers, but now even nearby office workers are hesitant to visit. I'm traumatised and afraid to step anywhere, but this has been my livelihood for 30 years. While I'm not desperate for government aid yet, any support would be appreciated," she said.
Local resident Muhammad Azman Abdul Rahman, 51, has resumed his normal routine, noting that the sinkhole is smaller than he initially feared.
"I've lived here since 1998, so I was worried at first, but I've adapted. I just need to stay alert and cautious," he said.
On Saturday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa announced the end of the SAR operation for G Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, an Indian national who fell into an eight-metre-deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India. The operation was concluded after nine days and transitioned to a 'search and recovery' phase.
The victim's family returned to India last night after the SAR operation ended. Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizme Affendy Sulaiman confirmed that the victim's husband and son flew back from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).