Kuala Lumpur sinkhole victim's family holds final ritual at sinkhole site before returning to India
The family of Vijayalakshmi, the 48-year-old tourist who tragically fell into an eight-meter-deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, performed a final Hindu ritual at the site on 1 September before returning to India. The search and rescue operation was called off after nine days due to safety concerns.
MALAYSIA: The family of Vijayalakshmi, the 48-year-old tourist who tragically fell into an eight-meter-deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, held a final religious ceremony at the site before returning to India.
On 1 September, her husband, son, and sister performed Hindu rituals at the sinkhole location.
The family departed for India later that day at 5 pm.
On 31 August, Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), announced that the government had decided to terminate the search and rescue (SAR) operation after nine days of extensive efforts, citing safety concerns for the SAR team, the public, and the surrounding area.
On 30 August, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured that tourists need not be concerned about sinkholes after the incident.
He noted that a geotechnical study had identified the cause of the sinkhole and confirmed the area's safety.
Anwar also stressed that any locations at risk of developing sinkholes should be swiftly addressed and closely monitored by the city council and the Prime Minister’s Department.
On 28 August, another sinkhole emerged on Jalan Masjid India, just 50 meters from the spot where Vijayalakshmi was swallowed by the ground.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2.30 am, likely due to the heavy rain and storm from the previous night.
