A sinkhole measuring nearly 3m deep has emerged in Taman Pertama, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, raising safety concerns among residents and motorists. DAP Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai was dissatisfied that the authorities had not found the cause 10 days after the incident.
The depression appeared at the junction of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat during the early hours of April 28.
According to the report, the following roads in Taman Pertama, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur have been closed due to the sinkhole incident:
1. Jalan Selar
2. Jalan Selangat
3. Jalan Semerah Padi 1
Initial findings suggest the sinkhole may have been triggered during preliminary sewerage pipe-laying works being carried out by contractors involved in a nearby development. However, authorities have yet to confirm a direct link between the construction and the incident.
Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai shared that a meeting was held on May 6 between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), his office, and representatives of the developer.
“Following the meeting, it was decided that the intersection will remain closed to allow further site investigations and ensure public safety,” he said during a press conference at the site.
“DBKL has instructed the contractors to submit a traffic management plan and has given them seven days to prepare a report for further assessment.”
Tan confirmed there were no injuries or property damage resulting from the sinkhole. He added that the contractors were only at the stage of preliminary sewage pipe works, and had not begun any jacking procedures, making it essential to conduct further investigation into the cause.
He also pointed out that this was not an isolated event.
“This area has a history of sinkholes. In view of the fact that this is not the first sinkhole to occur here, there is a possibility that others could form and cover a larger area.
For the safety of the public and motorists, I want a thorough and in-depth investigation into the soil condition in this area,” he stressed.
“What happened in Masjid India horrified many people.
Any sinkhole, big or small, will naturally cause public concern and alarm,” he added.
Tan also called on DBKL to fast-track the utility mapping study, a project led by a task force formed in the wake of the Masjid India sinkhole incident. The task force was allocated RM10 million this year to assess the structural stability of the ground in affected urban zones.
A DBKL official from the Civil Engineering and Drainage Department declined to comment, stating he was not authorised to speak on the matter.
Source: Guang Ming Daily, The Star
Follow Wah Piang for more stories!
