Kuala lumpur: Claims for compensation concerning an Indian woman tourist who died after falling into a sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, will be left to the court to decide, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh. The minister stated that the victim's family could submit their claim through the courts, given that Kuala Lumpur had never encountered such a case before.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hannah Yeoh expressed sympathy for the family over the tragic incident and acknowledged the relief they must feel with the issuance of the death certificate. She emphasized that the compensation claims should be resolved through court proceedings, allowing their lawyers to file a claim. The minister mentioned having discussions with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud and noted that the victim's family would return to India before meeting with her.

The media had previously reported that the family of the woman tourist, G Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, sought appropriate compensation and planned to meet Hannah and Fadlun within two weeks to one month after Vijaya's death certificate was issued. Vijaya fell into a sinkhole on August 23, 2024, while walking along Jalan Masjid India. Despite extensive search and rescue operations, the victim was never found.

On February 27 this year, the victim's family urged the government to issue a death certificate to enable compensation claims to proceed. Previously, Vijaya was classified as a missing person, preventing the issuance of a death certificate.

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing the victim's family, M. Partiben, stated they had no choice but to pursue justice through the court process as no negotiations or out-of-court settlement had been reached. He affirmed that the court was the appropriate forum to determine the rights and liabilities of all parties involved, and appropriate legal action would be filed soon.