KUALA LUMPUR: Jalan Masjid India has been declared safe for all activities, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the conclusion was made based on the studies conducted by the special task force chaired by Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
"This (decision) was reached after considering the collective expertise of various agencies, including the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Public Works Department, the Minerals and Geoscience Department, as well as professional organisations such as the Institution of Engineers Malaysia and the Malaysian Geotechnical Society," she said in reply to a question from P. Prabakaran (PH-Batu).
Prabakaran asked about the latest safety status and actions that will be taken by the authorities following the outcome of the study regarding the land subsidence at Jalan Masjid India, as well as in other areas susceptible to land subsidence.
Dr Zaliha said several immediate short-term actions have been implemented.
"An integrity audit of utility assets has been conducted by utility companies in the central business district (CBD), including at Jalan Masjid India.
"Mapping and underground integrity testing have been carried out to detect any weaknesses in older assets.
"The use of technology such as ground penetrating radar and Mackintosh Probe has been used to investigate soil structures.
"Geophysical tests like microgravity and ground settlement monitoring have also been employed to detect any ground movement or underground cavities."
For long-term actions, she said the City Hall will implement in-depth soil investigations using deep boring techniques and laboratory testing to ensure soil stability.
"Geotechnical reports by certified engineers will be prepared for identified high-risk areas and public communication where City Hall will continue to use social media platforms to inform and assure the public about safety levels in the Jalan Masjid India area."
Indian tourist Vijaya Lakshmi went missing after falling into an eight meters deep sinkhole while on her way to a nearby temple on Aug 23.
The authorities called off the search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate Vijaya Lakshmi on August 31.