Following last Friday’s (August 23) tragic incident where a woman named Vijaya Lakshmi fell 8 metres deep into a sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India, a wave of speculation has surfaced.
Among the most talked-about theories is the notion that Kuala Lumpur sits atop a network of limestone caves, raising concerns about potential ground collapse.
To shed light on these concerns, Dr. Goh Thian Lai, a Geohazard and Engineering Geology Expert, has shared his insights and assured that KL is safe to live in.
Is Limestone as Fragile as We Think?
According to Beautifulnara, Dr. Goh clarifies that any construction on limestone requires rigorous technical investigations to detect any existing cavities.
Once these are identified, specific engineering measures, including concrete and epoxy injections, are implemented to prevent sinkholes.
He debunked the myth that Kuala Lumpur is built on unstable rock, asserting that limestone is remarkably sturdy and would take millions of years to deteriorate.
“Limestone is not easily fractured,” he explained, “and the claim that it’s prone to sudden collapse is unfounded.”
Are Sinkholes Due to Unpredictable Weather and Unceasing Development?
Another prevalent theory is that the unpredictable Malaysian weather and relentless urban development in Kuala Lumpur are to blame for sinkholes.
Dr. Goh addressed these claims, explaining that when rainwater permeates the ground, it dissolves the limestone (calcium carbonate), creating underground voids and caves.
A sinkhole forms when these voids become excessively large, leading to a sudden surface collapse if the ground above cannot support the weight.
“Ground collapse has nothing to do with continuous development in Kuala Lumpur,” Dr. Goh stated firmly.
“Is It Dangerous to Live in KL?”
Concerns about living in Kuala Lumpur, fuelled by rumours of it being built on fragile rock, have left many Malaysians anxious.
However, Dr. Goh reassures residents that Kuala Lumpur is safe. “There’s no risk of living in KL,” he said.
“Limestone is a robust material, and the fears of sinkholes are exaggerated.”
He further noted that Kuala Lumpur is not in danger of sinking, despite sensational claims on social media.
According to his research, limestone is classified as one of the most durable rocks (R5) at 100 MPa, with cave roofs being exceptionally strong.
In summary, while the idea of Kuala Lumpur being perched on limestone caves may sound dramatic, Dr. Goh’s expert insights provide reassurance.
The city remains a solid and secure place to call home.
READ ALSO:
