Zaliha orders continuation of SAR operation for Indian national

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr. Zaliha Mustafa has instructed that the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the Indian national involved in the recent subsidence incident at Jalan Masjid India be continued.

According to the Wilayahku portal, she stated that the SAR operation will proceed according to standard operating procedures (SOP) until a later date to be determined.

The decision was made following a special meeting held yesterday.

“In line with the Cabinet’s decision, this meeting was convened to determine the direction of the search and rescue operation, incorporating input from various areas of expertise.

“The 13 agencies involved include the Federal Territories Department (JWP), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA).

“Also involved are the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG), Public Works Department (JKR), Malaysian Nuclear Agency, National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Civil Defence Force Malaysia (APM), Department of Social Welfare (JKM), the Health Department, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET), and the Department of Environment (JAS),” she said on Facebook.

Previously, Zaliha mentioned that the SAR operation had entered its seventh day and was being carried out with full commitment by teams from DBKL, PDRM, the Fire Department, the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, and other agencies.

However, she noted that no positive signs of the victim had been found despite the use of various methods and advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to aid the mission.

Meanwhile, Zaliha said the decision to continue the SAR operation would be based on factors related to public interest and safety, particularly in the area around Jalan Masjid India.

She stated that DBKL will coordinate a task force involving government agencies and relevant experts to ensure necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

“This is to ensure that Kuala Lumpur remains safe for all its residents and visitors,” she said.

Zaliha also emphasized the need for an urgent integrity audit of the entire utility system in Kuala Lumpur, following the recommendation of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Minister of Energy and Water Transition.