KL Sinkhole: Victim’s Family Understands Decision to Call Off Search, Govt May Give Compensation

Yesterday, we shared the announcement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa that the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the victim of the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole incident in Kuala Lumpur has officially been called off.

Well, during the same press conference, Dr Zaliha also said that the Government is willing to consider giving compensation to the family of the victim for the tragic incident. 

The Government will consider compensating the victim’s family

Dr zaliha mustafa

Sinar Harian quoted the Federal Territories Minister as saying that compensation for the victim’s family will be discussed.

The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the victim, 48-year-old Indian national Vijayaletchumy, was conducted for 9 days but was unfruitful.

Dr Zaliha says that while the SAR operation has been called off, the authorities will continue to search for the victim under a recovery operation.

Meanwhile, when asked about the family’s reaction to the SAR operation being called off, the Federal Territories Minister asserted,

“(On the first day of SAR operation) they asked us to expedite the search for the victim and we’ve given feedback that actions have been taken… They understood.

“After a few days, we met with them and continuously kept in contact, they began to accept and agreed that we had to make the decision to stop the operation.”

The Indian High Commissioner expressed their gratitude for the Government’s SAR efforts

The victim, vijayaletchumy

Dr Zaliha added that the Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia, BN Reddy had also expressed gratitude to the Government’s efforts to search for the victim.

She said that the Indian High Commissioner understood the resolute efforts of the SAR team and why the Government decided to call off the operation.

Furthermore, BN Reddy will also help to communicate the decision to the victim’s family.

The victim’s husband, mathavan

So, what do you guys think of Dr Zaliha’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: JUST IN: Search & Rescue Operation for KL Sinkhole Victim Has Officially Been Called Off, Says FT Minister