A source close to the rescue efforts, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the self-propelled float robot, from China, which is equipped with cameras, could be used to get into tight spaces.

“We hope the use of the robot would yield results,” the source told FMT.

The source also said that the robot, which is en route from Guangzhou, would likely be deployed at 9.30pm tonight.

It is understood that three engineers from China would be flown to Malaysia to operate the robot.

Earlier today, the search and rescue operation, which has entered its eighth day, began using heavy drilling equipment to facilitate access, which has so far been restricted.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said the search team needed to drill access points for additional suction pipes provided by Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd to keep water levels as low as possible.

Yesterday, it was reported that two fire and rescue department divers descended into the sewer channel at the sinkhole area but resurfaced about half an hour later due to a wall of debris blocking them.

In the incident on Aug 23, a tourist from India, Vijayaletchumy, 48, was walking down the street outside the Malayan Mansion when the sinkhole suddenly opened up.