SEARCH FOR MISSING VICTIM CALLED OFF
Malaysian authorities switched to “recovery” efforts after it was deemed that rescue operations were too dangerous to continue.
“After considering all expert opinions … we have decided that we will stop search and rescue operations today,” said Federal Territories Minister Zaliha Mustafa on Saturday, noting that this was for the “safety” of both rescuers and the surrounding area, citing a second sinkhole that had reappeared several metres away.
Rescuers had identified an “object” in the sewer pipes, but were unable to determine if that was the victim, she said, noting that conditions involving fast-moving water had made the operation dangerous.
“We cannot ignore public safety and the safety of tourists who walk along Jalan Masjid India. This is among the reasons why we stop search and rescue, but we will go into a situation of search and recovery,” Dr Zaliha added.
Jalan Masjid India, a street popular with tourists and which is home to several department stores and goldsmiths, had been closed while search and rescue operations were underway. Some shops facing the sinkhole site reopened on Sunday, Bernama said, although footfall was much lower than before the incident.
CNA reported last Tuesday that businesses at some shop had plunged by nearly 90 per cent, with residents worried about safety.