Kuala lumpur: The sinkhole incident on Jalan Wangsa Delima 4 in Wangsa Maju is suspected to have been caused by utility maintenance works rather than soil subsidence, as stated by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud explained that while investigations are ongoing, the affected area will remain closed for two weeks to carry out necessary repair works.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, initial inspections revealed the collapse of a 'sump' wall within the main 1.5-metre drainage system in the area. The mayor indicated that the sump wall had broken, but the specific location of the fallen structure remains unidentified. Utility lines are present beside the area, and it's suspected that underground utility works, potentially using the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method, might have inadvertently struck the structure without any surface indicators.

Fadlun highlighted the potential damage caused by these works, which may have led to cracks in the structure, allowing drainage water to seep into the soil and ultimately cause the sinkhole. The closed-off area measures approximately four meters in length, width, and depth. In attendance at the press conference were Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh and Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain.

Additionally, the mayor reported the detection of a smaller sinkhole near a bank along the pedestrian walkway on Jalan Tun Perak. This incident, involving a shallow hole about one foot deep, was not linked to utility issues.

In a separate development, Fadlun announced that utility mapping works around Jalan Masjid India are nearing completion, covering a 32km stretch. Repairs to pedestrian walkways in the area are anticipated to commence in October, with plans for DBKL to install settlement markers at selected locations. These markers will enable real-time monitoring of ground movement, ensuring immediate response if needed between Semua House and Masjid India.