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).
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NewsTranscript
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.