KUALA LUMPUR: The vibrant shopping district of Jalan Masjid India is on the verge of its busiest season of the year, having made headlines last year following the tragic incident where Indian tourist Vijayalaksmi fell down an unmarked sinkhole. This event, combined with the area's famous bazaars, makes Jalan Masjid India notable not just for its commercial offerings but also its cultural significance.
Despite the challenges of the past, vendors are seeing resurgence. “Business is OK now,” shared Anvar Rizan, manager of the nearby jewellery store. The area has returned to about 80% of its typical business volume according to Masjid India Business Association president, Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin, thanks to the rebound post-renovation and the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.
On August 23, 2024, the debilitating incident—a sinkhole approximately eight meters deep—claimed the life of 48-year-old Vijayalaksmi, who fell as she was walking. Her body was never recovered, marking this tragedy as one of Kuala Lumpur’s unfortunate urban events. The repairs were completed quickly, with the area reopened on December 31, 2024, just before the festive season, as noted by Kuala Lumpur mayor, Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif. "The early completion is also to accommodate the shopping and business needs of the public during the upcoming festive seasons," she remarked.
Now, as Ramadan nears, the anticipation of the annual Ramadan bazaar grows. This event will transform Jalan Masjid India once more, draping it with vibrant colours and scents typical of the festive season. Shoppers swarm to explore stalls adorned with textiles, garments, and foods, all enticing for the breaking of fast. "It was quite slow for a little... But now, we are seeing more customers compared to last year," mentioned Shima Ismail, who sells traditional Malay garments.
Traders have exhibited resilience, bouncing back from the long months of decline following the sinkhole event. Cautious optimism fills the air, not just for traditional shoppers but for tourists who flock to the street for its diverse offerings. Many have made use of nearby LRT stations for easy access, and festive cheers have begun to reverberate with the shopping district thrumming with energy over the recent holidays.
Local residents express mixed feelings about returning to the once-cordoned area. While some feel apprehensive, they also recognize the importance of continued infrastructure improvements. A university student, Taufiq Morshidi, views the situation pragmatically, noting, "I don’t get spooked easily because when it’s unexpected, it can happen anywhere." He hopes for enhanced public services to mitigate such future occurrences.
The incident sparked significant infrastructure reviews and improvements from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which allocated RM10 million for geotechnical research aimed at preventing similar disasters. DBKL’s proactive measures included deep boring tests, extensive repair of drainage systems, and collaborative efforts to resolve underlying structural vulnerabilities.
With successful renovations completed earlier than anticipated, the shopping district of Jalan Masjid India is set to regain its role as one of Kuala Lumpur’s most enchanting shopping venues. Traders and residents alike are determined to embrace the upcoming festive season and hope for continued stability and growth.
While Jalan Masjid India prepares for the advent of the Ramadan bazaar and the expectations surrounding it, residents are optimistic about its revitalized status, demonstrating resilience amid challenges. Despite the shadow of past incidents, the market flows with renewed energy as it anticipates the surge of shoppers embracing the festive spirit.