Sinkhole tragedy claim in Kuala Lumpur
The family of an Indian tourist who fell into a sinkhole in Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, is seeking RM824,000 in compensation from the Malaysian federal government. The request follows the 2024 incident in which Vijaya Lakshmi disappeared after falling into the sinkhole.
The family received her death certificate on 6 May, more than a year after the incident. Legal representatives say this document is important for moving forward with the compensation process.
Legal basis for compensation demand
According to reports from the New Straits Times, the family’s lawyer, M Partiben, said the requested amount is based on a previous court ruling in a separate negligence case. In that case, compensation was awarded to a family whose son was killed by a falling tree in 2023.
Partiben said the sinkhole case also involved negligence, including underground utility issues and geological factors. He urged the government and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to consider the earlier court decision when deciding the compensation amount.
He also said the family hopes to meet Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh and DBKL mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud to discuss the matter.
Missing case and investigation details
Vijaya Lakshmi was last seen on 23 August 2024 when she fell into the sinkhole. Search and rescue operations lasted nine days before being stopped due to safety concerns, according to reports.
Her body was never recovered, and she was previously classified as a missing person. This legal status delayed the issuing of her death certificate, which was only recently completed.
Family faces financial and personal burdens
Another lawyer representing the family, Muhamad Saifullah Muhamad Azmi, said the government should speed up financial assistance. He explained that Vijaya’s son had to travel between India and Malaysia multiple times to handle official procedures.
These repeated trips caused high travel and accommodation costs. Reports also said a family member lost their job after taking extended leave to manage the case.
The family had earlier appealed for the death certificate in February so that compensation claims could proceed formally.
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