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The family of an Indian tourist who fell into a sinkhole in Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur in 2024 is seeking RM824,000 in compensation from the federal government
According to the New Straits Times, Lawyer M Partiben, representing Vijaya Lakshmi's family, said the sum was based on the damages awarded by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to a couple whose son was killed by a falling tree in 2023.
Partiben said the incident involved negligence, similar to Vijaya's case.
"We urge the government, especially the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), to refer to and take into consideration that court decision in determining a reasonable amount of compensation in this case.
"We need to compare it with the recent case because in this sinkhole incident, negligence occurred involving underground utility issues and geological factors," he said.
Partiben added that he hopes to secure a meeting with Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh and DBKL mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud to discuss the matter.
Vijaya was never found after she fell into the sinkhole on 23 August 2024
The search and rescue operation was called off after nine days due to safety concerns, reported FMT.
Vijaya's family received her death certificate from the National Registration Department (JPN) yesterday, 6 May.
Another lawyer representing the family, Muhamad Saifullah Muhamad Azmi, urged the government to speed up the compensation or financial aid process to help ease the family's burden.
He said Vijaya's son had to travel repeatedly between Malaysia and India to manage matters related to the death certificate, incurring substantial costs for flights and accommodation.
NST also reported that one of Vijaya's family members recently lost their job after taking extended leave to handle matters related to the case.
On 27 February, the family appealed to the government to issue Vijaya's death certificate so compensation claims could proceed.
Saifullah previously said Vijaya was still legally classified as a missing person, which prevented the issuance of the death certificate.
Second from left: Vijaya's son, M Surya.
Image via FMT