Introduction
The recent sinkhole incident in Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, has brought to light the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure in rapidly developing cities. As sinkholes continue to pose a significant threat in areas built on limestone bedrock, understanding the causes, immediate responses, and preventive measures is essential for urban safety.
Causes and Triggers of Sinkholes in Urban Areas
In urban areas like Kuala Lumpur, sinkholes are often the result of both natural and human-induced factors. The city is built on a foundation of limestone bedrock, which is known for its susceptibility to dissolution by acidic groundwater. Over time, this process can create underground cavities that may eventually collapse, leading to sinkholes.
Moreover, the role of water in triggering sinkholes cannot be overlooked. Rainwater, leaking pipes, and poorly managed drainage systems can cause soil erosion, especially in ex-mining areas where the ground is already loose and unstable. Construction activities, such as drilling and excavation, can further destabilise the underground structure, increasing the risk of collapse. Failures in water mains or sewer lines also contribute to soil erosion, and poor groundwater management can lower the water table, causing the ground above to sink.
Kuala Lumpur’s history of mining, coupled with its natural limestone bedrock, makes the city particularly vulnerable to sinkholes.
Advanced Detection Techniques
To prevent such incidents, advanced techniques and technologies are available to detect potential sinkholes before they occur. Sonar surveys, using geophones, can measure ground vibrations and identify areas where sonar waves move more slowly due to voids or unstable soil—indicating a potential sinkhole. Additionally, sonic wave technology sends sound waves through the ground, analysing their reflections to identify changes in subsurface structures, including voids or weak zones that may collapse into a sinkhole.
According to Ir. Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin, “The use of advanced technologies like sonar surveys and sonic wave analysis is crucial in identifying potential sinkhole sites before they pose a risk to public safety. By proactively monitoring these areas, we can prevent catastrophic failures and ensure the integrity of our urban infrastructure.”
Immediate Response to Sinkholes
In the event of a sinkhole, engineers and emergency responders must act quickly to ensure public safety. The first step is to close off the surrounding area to prevent access and evacuate anyone nearby to avoid injuries. A rapid assessment of the sinkhole’s size and the risk of further expansion is crucial. The stability of nearby structures must also be checked, and utility services like gas, water, and electricity should be shut off to prevent additional hazards.
Balancing Urban Development with Infrastructure Monitoring
City authorities face the challenge of balancing urban development with the need to maintain and monitor underground infrastructure. Integrating infrastructure maintenance with urban development from the outset is essential. Authorities should require detailed technical engineering reports before any construction begins to assess underground conditions and identify potential risks. Regular monitoring and maintenance should be mandatory, utilising advanced technologies to detect and address issues like sinkholes before they occur.
Conclusion
The Masjid India sinkhole is a reminder of the importance of proactive measures in urban planning and infrastructure management. By prioritising the detection and prevention of sinkholes, cities like Kuala Lumpur can continue to develop safely while protecting their citizens and maintaining the integrity of their infrastructure.
About the Author:
IR PROF DR JEFFREY CHIANG CHOONG LUIN
President, The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Professor (Civil Engineering),
Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Information Technology, SEGi University
Ir Prof Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin, a distinguished figure in the field of Civil Engineering, currently serves as the President of The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and holds the position of Professor in the Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Information Technology at SEGi University. With a diverse and illustrious career, Dr Jeffrey Chiang has contributed significantly to both academia and the professional engineering sector. His journey includes roles as a Structural Engineer at ARUP Jururunding Sdn Bhd KL, Senior Lecturer at SIT (Klang Campus), Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Monash University Sunway Campus, and Associate Professor at UTAR, KL Campus. He also served as the Professor and Head of Civil Engineering at INTI International University Nilai Campus and as the Former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment at SEGi University. Dr Jeffrey Chiang’s leadership extends to various important roles, including Chair of Standards Malaysia, Technical Committee concrete structures design EC2, and Former Chair of IEM Technical Committees, covering Earthquake Design EC8 and Wind Load Design. His extensive contributions include serving as the Former Chair of the IEM Technical Division of Civil & Structural Engineering, Former IEM Honorary Secretary, Former IE