IWK excavates to eight metres to find leak source after Sungai Ara sinkhole, with road closure extended to November 18 for safety.
GEORGE TOWN: Indah Water Konsortium is conducting excavation and soil protection works along Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim following a sinkhole incident.
The excavation aims to determine whether a leaking sewer pipe caused underground water movement that led to the cavity.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said works have reached six metres toward an expected eight-metre depth.
“As a precaution, IWK has temporarily shut down operations of the sewer pipeline along the road and diverted the flow to nearby pipes to ensure safety and maintain the sewer system’s operation in the area,” he said.
“Our main focus now is to identify the source of the leak.”
He confirmed IWK has requested the Barat Daya Public Works Department to extend the road closure until November 18 due to weather-related work delays.
Zairil urged road users and residents to remain patient and cautious during this period.
He assured that mitigation measures have been implemented to prevent further ground movement and sinkhole expansion.
“The surrounding area is safe following these preventive steps,” he added.
The sinkhole measured five metres long, 3.5 metres wide, and 1.9 metres deep.
Located in front of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sungai Ara, the cavity was believed caused by a leaking pipe leading to underground water seepage.
The incident near a road junction went viral on social media, raising public concern over area safety. – Bernama
