Utility mapping and land studies done consistently to keep cities safe, says Nga

JOHOR BARU: The recent sinkhole incident at Kuala Lumpur’s Jalan Masjid India was an isolated case and does not mean the capital is unsafe to live in, says Nga Kor Ming.

The Housing and Local Government Minister said all of Malaysia’s cities were safe places to visit and live.

“Every state and federal territory has done utility mapping and land structure studies.

“The work is carried out all the time, in phases.

“It is important to keep our cities safe. Do not make it seem like our country is not safe to live in because of an isolated case – that is not right,” he said after a ministry programme here on Thursday (Sept 5).

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Nga added that utility mapping and land structure studies in the capital also involved high-rise residences.

“Before getting permission to plan, the project must get a geoscience and technical report as this is a requirement before starting.

“Once the experts have confirmed it is safe, then we issue the development order. Our building structures are safe because we have high standards,” he said.

On Wednesday (Sept 4), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would map the network of utilities under Kuala Lumpur and study its land structure.

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She also said DBKL would ensure all construction in the city must include a geotechnical report.

This follows the tragedy where Indian tourist G. Vijayalaksmi, 48, went missing after falling into an 8m-deep sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India on Aug 23.

A search operation involving security forces and local authorities was launched the same day.

It was officially called off after nine days following a thorough assessment by experts from the Fire and Rescue Department, the police, DBKL, Indah Water Konsortium and other agencies.