Zaliha told a press conference near the sinkhole site the decision was made based on the input given by all parties involved in the operation, including experts.

She cited the concerns over the safety of the team from the fire and rescue department, following the discovery of a 15m blockage in an Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd pipeline recently.

“Even though the blockage is not confirmed to include the victim’s remains, we are unable to proceed with the operation due to safety reasons, including the search team’s health as well as the fast currents that endanger them,” she said.

Another factor considered, she said, is the concern over the safety of the surrounding areas such as the discovery of another sinkhole near the first sinkhole, which she described as “worrying”.

Zaliha said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will now hand the matter over to the police to decide on the next course of action.

She said DBKL will carry out a mapping of underground utilities as well as a review of the soil structure across the capital.

“We will also engage with traders in the surrounding areas to assist them with resuming their businesses,” she said, adding that DBKL has been instructed to carry out reconstruction of the sinkhole site.

She said a full report on the incident will be tabled before the Cabinet.

Asked whether any compensation would be paid to the victim’s family, Zaliha said the matter would be discussed later.

On Aug 23, Vijayaletchumy, 48, a visitor from India, went missing after she fell into the sinkhole while walking to a nearby temple.

A search and rescue operation was launched the same day, involving security forces and local authorities.

For the past eight days, the team has employed various techniques, including jetting, flushing, and pumping water out of the site to locate the victim.