Checks by Bernama at Wisma Yakin, a business centre located just 10m from the sinkhole, and stores beneath the Malayan Mansion flats found a significant decline in footfall.

A trader, who wished to be known as Asmawati, 52, said the number of visitors to her shop, located just 15m from the scene, had dropped by 90% after the incident occurred.

“There’s hardly anyone passing by our shop, possibly because they’re worried.

“We will continue operating, but if we’re told to close for safety reasons, we have no choice but to comply, though this is our daily source of income,” she said, adding that sinkholes have occurred in the area before.

Songkok trader Rizal Jasni, 64, viewed the sinkhole incident as a reminder for the public to always exercise caution when visiting the area.

He believed that the rapid development in the Jalan Masjid India and Jalan Tun Perak areas could have contributed to the incident.

“We hope the authorities will find a way to prevent similar incidents from recurring and conduct regular monitoring to ensure public safety, especially in the Jalan Masjid India area,” said Rizal, who has been plying his trade at Wisma Yakin since 1980.

Yesterday, a 48-year-old tourist from India fell into the 8m-deep sinkhole at the popular shopping street, with search and rescue efforts ongoing.