Last night, a startling incident occurred on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK) near Bentong, where a sinkhole appeared unexpectedly. Authorities quickly responded to the situation by diverting traffic to an alternative route to ensure the safety of road users and facilitate repairs.
Saw there was a sinkhole on the KL-Karak highway and I couldnt help myself pic.twitter.com/9iTGx8JXn9
— Afiq Nuradli ｱﾌｲｸ (@afiqnuradli) July 26, 2023
The sinkhole's significant size surprised many onlookers, prompting reactions on social media. Netizens, ever quick-witted, injected some humour into the serious situation by creating memes that featured a Pontianak emerging from the hole, the iconic red balloon from IT floating out of it, and even a dinosaur, among others.
While the memes brought some lightheartedness to the situation, it is important to remember the seriousness of the incident.
After the emergence of a substantial sinkhole, the section of the KL-Karak expressway (KLK) near the Bentong toll plaza had to be closed yesterday, disrupting traffic. However, there is good news for road users, as the works minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, announced that the affected stretch will reopen at 7 pm today, July 26.
The prompt action taken by contractors is commendable, as they have already filled the sinkhole with concrete, starting the repairs immediately after the incident occurred last night. Once the concrete hardens, the pavement works will be carried out, aiming to restore the expressway's functionality.
The incident's cause has been identified based on reports from Malaysia Rail Link (MRL). It was revealed that the nearly 10-meter-wide sinkhole resulted from the collapse of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Tunnel 2.