KUALA LUMPUR – The Immigration Department has extended the visas of four family members of the sinkhole victim at Jalan Masjid India by one month.
Special Officer to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Arvend Applasamy, said that the visa extension was granted to the victim’s husband, child, and two other family members.
Arvend, who met with the victim’s family at the site of the incident on Jalan Masjid India today, said that while the family’s emotional state has become more stable, they were still grappling with the tragedy.
He noted that the family was slowly coming to terms with the tragic event but continued to hope for an opportunity to see the victim’s face one last time.
“The family members were understandably distraught during our meeting, but they have begun to accept the reality of what has happened. However, they are still requesting the chance to see the victim’s face,” he told reporters.
Arvend added that his visit to the victim’s family today was to convey condolences and offer assistance on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He also assured the family that the rescue team remained committed to continuing the search efforts.
On Friday, a tourist from India, identified as Vijayaletchumy, 48, fell into an eight-metre-deep sinkhole after the ground gave way when she was walking in the area in front of Malayan Mansion at 8.22am.
The victim, who was in Malaysia with her family on vacation, was passing through the area on her way to a nearby temple when the incident occurred.
Meanwhile, a Bernama check at the scene found that business activities were continuing as usual, with many visitors, including foreign tourists. Only five business premises located in front of the incident site were closed and cordoned off with yellow tape.
It is understood that flushing operations are still being carried out by the search and rescue team as they continue efforts to locate the victim, now on the fourth day. – August 26, 2024