MBSJ to map and identify high-risk sinkhole areas in Subang Jaya

SUBANG JAYA: The Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) is planning to create a list of areas at high risk for sinkholes, following a recent incident in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are looking into undertaking an underground mapping exercise to identify areas at high risk of sinkholes,” said Subang Jaya deputy mayor Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali.

“This is a proactive measure following the sinkhole in Masjid India. There is a risk of something happening, perhaps on a smaller scale, because some developments under MBSJ’s purview are located near former mining ponds.”

He emphasised the need for proactive measures before anything untoward happens.

“We were previously busy dealing with flood and landslide matters, and now we have to deal with the possibility of sinkholes,” said Mohd Zulkurnain.

“In terms of technology and cost, it is something we have to streamline with the state government as it is beyond something one local council can undertake.”

He mentioned the need to coordinate with several state agencies, such as Selangor Utility Corridor, State Economic Planning Unit, and Public Works Department.

MBSJ Engineering Department director Dr Mohd Ariffuddin Kamari said underground mapping will require the use of ground-penetrating radar, a technology that incurs high costs.

“Our strategy, once the exercise is underway, is to prioritise high-risk areas, particularly areas with slopes and former mining pools.

“We have a list of high-risk areas prone to floods and landslides, but not one for sinkholes,” he said, adding that the list encompasses areas in Puchong, Subang Jaya, and Seri Kembangan.

While disasters are hard to predict, Dr Mohd Ariffuddin said certain measures could be taken to identify possible risks.

“There are concerns that something small could trigger a big incident, such as a pipe leak that causes water to leak into soil. This makes the soil unstable and prone to movement,” added Mohd Zulkurnain.

“One example was the incident in Lestari Perdana, Seri Kembangan. There was a drain collapse and landslide incident there in January 2022, which was believed to be caused by underground water movement due to leaked sewerage pipes.”

Mohd Zulkurnain and Dr Mohd Ariffuddin were responding to questions about MBSJ’s plans following the sinkhole incident in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, where a female tourist from India fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole after the ground gave way.

They spoke at a press conference after MBSJ’s August full board meeting held at the council’s headquarters in USJ5, Subang Jaya, on Thursday (Aug 29).