The comprehensive report on the sinkhole incident that occurred along Jalan Masjid India in August last year is anticipated to be submitted to the Cabinet by the end of this year at the latest. According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the ministry has only recently received the detailed findings and is currently in the process of reviewing the report before it is formally presented.
“I have just received the full report, and my team is currently examining various elements of the incident, with a particular focus on determining the cause of the sinkhole,” said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. “Once our review is complete, I plan to present the findings to the Cabinet, most likely before the end of the year,” she told reporters after launching the Mata Hati Wilayah programme earlier today.
The incident, which took place on August 23, involved an Indian tourist named Vijayaletchumy. She was walking with her family in the Jalan Masjid India area on the way to a nearby temple when she tragically fell into a sinkhole estimated to be eight metres deep.
Although a multi-agency search and rescue operation was promptly carried out following the incident, the victim was never located.
In a separate matter, Dr Zaliha rejected suggestions from some parties to postpone the Kota Madani project, emphasizing that the development is essential—especially to help resolve the housing shortage faced by civil servants.
“There are currently about 17,000 civil servants still waiting for government housing. The Kota Madani project is expected to deliver approximately 10,000 units, which will significantly help address this issue,” Dr Zaliha explained. “Given that 60 percent of Putrajaya’s population consists of government employees, it is vital that we prioritise their well-being and comfort. Therefore, I do not support any proposals to postpone the project,” she added.
The Kota Madani project, with an estimated cost of RM4 billion, will be carried out by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (PjH) through a public-private partnership model. It will follow the Build, Lease, Maintain, and Transfer (BLMT) approach, which means no upfront government funding is needed for its implementation.
Kota Madani is planned as a high-density residential development, expected to house more than 30,000 residents. The project will also feature vertical schools and a comprehensive array of public amenities.
The developments surrounding the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole tragedy and the Kota Madani project highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to address both public safety and housing challenges in urban areas. While authorities continue their investigation into the tragic incident to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences, the Kota Madani initiative moves forward as a key solution to the pressing housing needs of civil servants. With careful planning and a commitment to long-term sustainability, both efforts reflect the government’s focus on improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring the resilience of city infrastructure.
Source: Malay Mail
