Dr Zaliha Refutes Allegation Of Not Being At Jalan Masjid India Sinkhole Tragedy Site

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa has refuted a claim that she was silent and did not ‘go down’ to the scene of the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole tragedy where a woman fell into a sinkhole last Friday.

Confirming that she visited the scene of the incident on Saturday (Aug 24), she said that when she received information about the incident, she was still in Kuching, Sarawak and as soon as she arrived in Kuala Lumpur, she went to the location to obtain the latest developments from the authorities.

“I deny this accusation. This is indeed a matter that, as a minister, I must pay serious attention to matters related to the safety of the residents,” she said.

"I am also in direct contact with the Datuk Bandar (Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif) to get the latest input and in contact the Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia B.N. Reddy to inform about the related developments," she said.

Dr Zaliha said this to reporters after officiating the 2025 Budget initiative for the Federal Territories and Putrajaya engagement session here today. The session was also attended by over 200 individuals consisting of representatives of residents, youth and non-governmental organisations.

In his Facebook post, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi claimed that Dr Zaliha did not “go down to the field” to the site of the tragedy and urged her not to remain silent as the local community at the scene of the tragedy needs to know about the threat of sinkholes.

Dr Zaliha, however, explained that the allegation should not have arisen and said that any issue raised must be accompanied by facts.

“…I am worried that it may cause anxiety among the residents. Don't let that happen. I hope that after this there will be no such thing and I remind you that we have to refer to the responsible parties and authorities," she also said.

Today marks the fifth day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the woman, an Indian national, who fell into the sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India last Friday.

The victim, a tourist from Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh in India, known as Vijayaletchumy, 48, went missing after falling into an eight-metre deep pit after the ground gave way in the incident in Jalan Masjid India at 8.22 am.

Meanwhile, she added that the input received as a result of the engagement session will be the basis of the inclusive Budget 2025 planning to meet the needs of the people in the Federal Territories. The session included input on the development of entrepreneurs and youth as well as hawkers.

-- BERNAMA