P Prabakaran, the MP for Batu, said the traders are also worried about their safety and that of their families.

“They brought up the need for special discussions with government agencies, including the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Indah Water Konsortium and the federal territories minister’s office for updates on the matter.

“They are concerned and feel there is a need for an engagement session so that a permanent solution can be found for the issue,” he told reporters after meeting the representative of the traders’ association, which represents over 150 traders in Jalan Masjid India, today.

On Aug 23, a tourist from India, identified as Vijayaletchumy, 48, fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole that opened up under her feet as she was walking along Jalan Masjid India to a nearby temple.

DBKL announced today that the Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman night market will be closed tomorrow to make way for the search and rescue operation for the victim and for soil tests to be conducted.

“The closure is to ensure the safety of the public and businesses. Failure to comply with the order will result in strict action against businesses,” a DBKL statement said.

DBKL said the soil tests will be conducted around Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Masjid India to identify locations and road safety around the sinkhole area.

Ground penetrating radar would be used in the search today, which will carry on into the night, while Indah Water Konsortium is using jetting and rodding processes to clear obstructions in the sewer line.

DBKL said the situation at the search location was under control and that the public was cooperating well by not entering the restricted area.