Will the massive sinkhole that appeared in Bukit Bintang add on to the cost of the multi-billion ringgit Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, for which tunnelling works are being conducted nearby, asks DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

While acknowledging that the MRT project was not responsible for the sinkhole, Lim pointed out that the 10-metre-deep cave-in could compromise the integrity of the area and thus affect the builder's tunnelling works.

"When you have a tunnel collapse, they definetely will have to reinforce it to make sure there is no danger when the MRT goes through.

"When you talk about reinforcing at that depth, it is very expensive, it will result in cost escalation," Lim told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

According to KiniTV, Lim said this problem should be addressed by MMC-Gamuda, which is charged with delivering the project.

He added there were also concerns about the structural integrity of the surrounding buildings and he called on the authorities to brief MPs in Kuala Lumpur on the matter.

Part of the road intersection at Jalan Pudu and Jalan Hang Tuah caved in as a result of soil erosion from an underground pipe that had burst.

Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) blamed the contractors for the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for damaging the pipe.

The collapse was initially thought to be linked to the tunnelling works for the MRT project but Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) promptly denied this speculation.