Fadillah said the limestone soil composition has disrupted the flow of underground water, leading to soil instability, and ultimately resulting in the formation of the sinkhole.

“Sometimes, it’s impossible to predict when and where a sinkhole will occur.

“This phenomenon doesn’t only happen in Malaysia, but also around the world, particularly in areas with limestone and specific geological conditions,” he said after launching the Convention Against Worker Exploitation in Kuching, Sarawak, today, Bernama reported.

Fadillah, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister, expressed his hope that advanced technology in the future could reduce such incidents and allow for early preventive measures.

“Although we cannot predict precisely when a sinkhole will occur, with the right knowledge and technology, we can take necessary steps to protect communities and mitigate the impact of these incidents,” he said.

On Friday, Vijayaletchumy, 48, of Andhra Pradesh, India, was walking with her family on Jalan Masjid India when she fell into a sinkhole that suddenly opened beneath her at 8.20am.

Rescuers have spent three days opening manholes along the suspected path, but have found no trace of her.

The complex sewer network, coupled with hazardous conditions, has made the search particularly challenging.

Indah Water Konsortium’s CEO, Narendran Maniam, reportedly said it was possible that Vijayaletchumy had been washed away and could be stuck at one of the inter-pump stations.

Rescuers have found only a pair of slippers belonging to the victim.