The family of an Indian woman lost in a Kuala Lumpur sinkhole is seeking a death certificate to begin compensation claims and settle her debts.
KLANG: The family of an Indian woman who vanished after falling into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur last year is urging the government to issue a death certificate. Lawyer Muhamad Saifullah Muhamad Azmi, representing the family, said the victim, G. Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, from Andhra Pradesh, remains classified as a missing person.
He explained that a written application was submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Registration Department on Feb 24. “Only with a death certificate can any compensation claim be initiated legally and in an orderly manner under the existing legal framework,” he said at a press conference.
Muhamad Saifullah added that no court action has been filed yet, as they wish to allow room for discussions with relevant ministries first. Another lawyer, M. Partiben, highlighted the financial pressure on the victim’s only child, M. Surya, 27.
Partiben stated that G. Vijaya had outstanding bank loans totalling RM8,546.51 and unlicensed moneylender borrowings of between RM40,000 and RM45,000. “The next of kin previously received a goodwill contribution of RM30,000, but this should not be equated with the compensation that ought to be considered,” he said.
Surya said this was his seventh trip to Malaysia since 2024 to manage the case, with total expenses exceeding RM50,000. He appealed to the Malaysian authorities to expedite the issuance of his mother’s death certificate to facilitate compensation and debt settlement in India.
In the Aug 23 incident, the victim was reported missing after falling into an eight-metre-deep sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India. Search and rescue operations were carried out for nine days before being called off due to safety concerns for the personnel.
