SAR operation of sinkhole victim officially called off after nine days

The Star

The search and rescue (SAR) operation for Indian tourist Vijayalaksmi, 48, who fell into a sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 23, was officially called off on the ninth day of the operation on Saturday (Aug 31).  Read more at https://tinyurl.com/5xpvnf4y   WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

Transcript

00:00The decision that we have taken is based on the report that I have made to the Cabinet

00:11regarding the event that took place.

00:13It is for us to get an overview from the expert's point of view,

00:18before we make any decision.

00:20Therefore, after we have gathered all the experts,

00:27including PDRM, Bomber, DBKL, IWK, and our Geology colleagues,

00:41we have decided to stop the search and rescue today.

00:47Firstly, based on the information that we have received from the location,

00:57especially from the Bomber team that led the search and rescue at the scene,

01:04we have received several reports.

01:09However, what is quite striking is when we are told that there is an object in the IWK cell,

01:21even though the object does not indicate that it is a victim.

01:28However, due to the fact that we cannot continue the search for safety reasons,

01:36there are several safety concerns.

01:40Firstly, the safety of the members or the team that went down to search for the victim.

01:47Secondly, the safety of the area.

01:50We have seen the effects of the second sinkhole, for example.

01:54This is also a concern for us.

02:01Thirdly, we need to resume the activities here immediately,

02:07even though we do not ignore the safety of the general public and the safety of the visitors.

02:17However, we will go back to the search and recovery situation.

02:22We will leave the matter to the PDRM to determine what to do next.

02:30There are a few things that we will do.

02:32The first will be done by the DBKL itself,

02:35including the installation of utilities,

02:38as well as the study of land structures throughout Kuala Lumpur.

02:42Then, we also need to engage with the business here

02:47to help resume the activities here.

02:53We also ask the DBKL to carry out a recovery and reconstruction in this area.

03:00We have to make sure that the distance between the entrance door to Maiden,

03:11which is about 100 meters,

03:13is not disturbed by the visitors.

03:21God willing, we will do a holding.

03:24The DBKL has also stated that after this,

03:28for example, any construction needs to be reported to Geotechnical.

03:34God willing, a full report on this incident will be made to the Ministerial Committee.

03:42Thank you for your kind words.

03:48I have also had a direct conversation with His Excellency Mr. BN Reddy.

03:57He has given his appreciation for the efforts we have made.

04:03He also understands that if we need to take a decision to stop it,

04:08God willing, they will help us together with our family members

04:14to make a decision.

04:17We also have our counsellors who are always with the victims' families

04:25to support their mental and emotional distress.

04:35We will discuss that later.

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