Explainer | Could Singapore suffer sinkholes like Kuala Lumpur?

Experts weigh in on the risks of sinkholes in Malaysia and Singapore, highlighting crucial differences in the ground beneath people’s feet

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Rescuers check the sinkhole that opened up in Kuala Lumpur on August 23. Photo: AP

Published: 11:33am, 3 Sep 2024Updated: 11:35am, 3 Sep 2024

Late last month, a 48-year-old tourist from India disappeared after a sinkhole suddenly opened up beneath her feet in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur.

She has not been seen since, despite an intensive search that has turned up nothing so far, save for a pair of slippers.

Just days afterwards, a second sinkhole opened up in the Masjid India area around 50 metres from the first, reportedly triggered by a downpour.

Rescue efforts have faced significant challenges due to poor visibility and the heavy rain that had recently drenched the city.

Read on for the insights of engineering experts from Malaysia and Singapore into the possible causes of the sinkholes, the likelihood of such incidents becoming more frequent in Kuala Lumpur, and whether similar events could occur in Singapore.

01:19

Indian tourist vanishes after being swallowed by 8-metre sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur

What caused the sinkholes?

While investigations are still under way to determine the cause of the sinkhole that opened on August 23, Malaysian geological and engineering experts suggested several possible factors, including soil erosion and heavy rainfall.