PETALING JAYA: Minerals and Geosciences Department director-general Datuk Zamri Ramli has dismissed claims that the structure of the sinkhole area in Jalan Masjid India is based on limestone.
He said initial observations by the department found that the incident occurred likely due to a combination of human activities and weather changes.
He told Buletin TV3 that factors of human activities, such as underground utility maintenance and abnormal rainfall at the site contributed to the sinkhole.
"A task force has been established, and we are gathering complete information.
"Based on geological assessments, the area is not underlain by limestone, indicating that there are other non-natural factors involved," Zamri was quoted as saying.
He said studies showed only 30 per cent of Kuala Lumpur is underlain by limestone, and this does not hinder development in the area.
"If we look at records and geological maps, only 30 per cent of Kuala Lumpur is underlain by limestone. Not the entire city.
"Many on social media claim the whole of Kuala Lumpur is underlain by limestone, which is not accurate," he said.
Regarding development, Zamri said in Kuala Lumpur, all aspects and development plans were recorded according to established engineering practices.
However, he said, more frequent and thorough monitoring and maintenance could be done across all agencies.
"Development in Kuala Lumpur already follows good engineering practices. Every development project considers geological perspectives from an engineer. What needs improvement is monitoring and maintenance.
"Development can proceed provided that it adheres to good engineering practices, especially in areas with high geological constraints. For limestone areas, development is possible as long as comprehensive data is obtained," he said.
Previously, there were claims circulating on social media stating that Kuala Lumpur's underground structure was based on limestone and therefore lacked durability.
