Written by Alissya Nazir
Edited by Farah Liyana
KUALA LUMPUR, 9th September 2024: The recent sinkhole incident on 23rd August has caused a tremendous shock in Malaysia. Captured in a viral clip, an Indian tourist identified as Vijayalaksmi, fell into the sinkhole while walking in the street of Masjid India. An immediate operation was deployed, but up until now, the missing woman remains missing and the rescue is now in its ‘search and recovery phase’.
According to a local interview, the number of visitors passing by Jalan Masjid India decreased after the incident. Some shops were closed for a while and some remain open, but despite that, local businesses are still struggling to combat the fear and anxiety.
The new quiet Masjid India several areas were closed from public access | Credit: MalayMail
“We have been affected by about 30%,” shares Bhoopender Singh, the current owner of a famous restaurant, Jai Hind, selling authentic Punjabi cuisines. “But what has happened is so terrible. We hope she is safe.”
“No people at all today. Very dull business” expresses a middle-aged female shop owner selling blankets and duvets in Masjid India as interviewed in a Tiktok video filmed by a username called WeirdKaya. “[Compared to before] we used to get 20-30 people a day but now only 2-3 people.”
Online businesses are not an absolute solution for all business owners. She comments that she does not know the technicalities behind switching to online mode, leaving her to rely solely on her shop.
Both business owners hope for the authorities to expedite the search process and renovate the area to prevent more accidents and lives from being involved. In this manner, peace can be brought again. — TBC.
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