IPOH: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is open to helping draw up a map of underground utilities.
Its minister, Nga Kor Ming (pic), said he would hold a meeting with the Local Government Department on the matter.
“We can work with other agencies to create an underground map.
“We can see above ground, but not below ground, and I think this is important as there is a lot of utility network systems underground,” he said in a press conference after the Perak DAP dinner here on Sunday (Aug 25).
“I will bring it up in the next meeting when I return to the ministry,” he added.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had on Saturday (Aug 24) told Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to work with utility companies to draw up a map of underground utilities to avoid issues during construction.
Fahmi added this was important to gain visibility of conditions underground where networks of pipes and cables are laid.
The comments came after a sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, swallowed a 48-year-old tourist from India on Friday (Aug 23).
On the incident, Nga said he had yet to receive a report on it from DBKL.
“Our hearts are with her (the victim), and we hope for the best,” he said.
Nga also said he has instructed Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin to chair a meeting with relevant agencies to check all sinkholes that appeared due to the sewerage upgrading project in the city.
“We want to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents.
“Prevention is better than cure,” he said.