LETTERS: The sinkhole that caused a woman to vanish from Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur has sent chills down the spine of residents and tourists.
This is not the first time that a sinkhole occurred in our city.
Such sinkholes have occurred in the past in certain parts of the city.
Could it happen again? Is it safe to walk in the streets of the city? What precautions can one take?
These are questions racing through the minds of people shocked by this incident and which should quickly be addressed by the authorities.
A word of thanks to the Fire and Rescue Department and other departments which have been doing an onerous task of trying to rescue the hapless lady under very trying circumstances.
This tragedy should be thoroughly investigated to identify the causes of sinkholes and then what remedial steps be taken to ensure there is no repeat.
This calls for a high-level committee chaired by no less than the Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and comprise the KL Mayor, senior engineers, geologists, and officials from various other departments.
In particular, it should include officials from the Minerals and Geoscience Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
This committee should complete its task in record time to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of the millions of people who walk the streets on a daily basis for work, leisure or to schools.
Generally, sinkholes form in areas with limestone or gypsum beds.
Rainwater which is slightly acidic can dissolve these rocks over time, leading to underground voids.
Natural events such as heavy rainfall can erode soil, causing the ground above to become unstable.
Or poor drainage systems or burst water pipes can lead to excessive water flow underground, increasing erosion and the potential for sinkholes. Is our water management adequate?
Excavation and heavy construction, though unlikely to happen in built up areas, can lead to ground instability.
The authorities should monitor land surface changes regularly to identify signs of potential sinkholes.
They should also regularly monitor the traditional and social media for instances of public complaints regarding cracks in roads and sidewalks and take remedial action immediately.
Often, we hear of cases when public complaints are not addressed adequately, slow in responding or not at all.
So, sinkholes can occur anywhere, anytime in places where there are depressions or holes in the ground caused by natural or man-made causes.
The challenge is to identify potential spots and take the right precautions.
That is why the government should institute a high-level committee immediately to find ways to identify possible sites and take remedial action.
A tragedy like the one that has just occurred at Jalan Masjid India not only affects public safety but also has serious implications for the business community there.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
CHAIRMAN
ALLIANCE FOR A SAFE COMMUNITY
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times