The ground opened up on Aug 23 and swallowed the Indian tourist heightening fears about the safety of the popular area, Malaysian media reported.

Following a storm the previous night, the new collapse reportedly occurred at around 2.30am on Aug 28.

After the occurrence of the second hole, the entire street was cordoned off to all vehicles and the public, compared with the previous day, when the police had cordoned off only a stretch of roughly 500m around the original sinkhole.

An officer from the Mineral and Geoscience Department was seen scanning the street with ground-penetrating radar.

He was seen pausing at a location between the original sinkhole and the new one for a few minutes before stomping on the ground and jumping up and down, as if to test the integrity of the cobbled pavement.

Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain arrived at the location at around 11.20am and inspected the new sinkhole before being briefed at the police operational tent.

In a press statement, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said it had blocked access to the road using police lines and water barriers.

“We have taken quick action, together with Indah Water Konsortium (IWK, the waste management company serving Kuala Lumpur), to inspect the sewerage pipe at the location and its surrounding areas,” said the statement.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Maimunah Mohd Sharif gave assurances that the authorities will continue to take follow-up action with IWK and other agencies to prevent more sinkholes from forming.

At a press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof gave assurances that Jalan Masjid India is still safe for the public, as long as they listen to the authorities and do not cross police lines.