A sinkhole on Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim in Bayan Lepas is linked to a leaking underground pipe, with PBAPP and IWK investigating the source.
GEORGE TOWN: A sinkhole that appeared on Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim in Bayan Lepas last Tuesday is believed to have been caused by a leaking underground pipe.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said water seeping into the ground from the leak led to the road subsidence.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the pipe belongs to the Penang Water Supply Corporation or Indah Water Konsortium.
“Excavation works at the site found underground water flow, believed to have caused the road to subside,” he told reporters after visiting the site.
The Public Works Department has informed both PBAPP and IWK for further investigation, with digging continuing to locate the exact source.
PBAPP will carry out tests to find the leak more accurately, while IWK will strengthen drainage pipes located about 21 feet underground.
To ensure public safety, Jalan Kenari has been fully closed from the Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim junction.
Motorists can use alternative routes via Jalan Sungai Ara 1, Jalan Persiaran Relau or Jalan Kedidi.
Soil inspections and continuous monitoring are being carried out to ensure the area is safe from further ground movement.
“At the moment, there is no water accumulation or surface movement at the site, but we do not rule out underground water flow due to the pipe leak,” Zairil said.
He added that simply filling the ground is not viable as ongoing water movement below could cause the sinkhole to reopen.
IWK is inspecting all its pipelines across Penang to ensure they are safe, with plans to replace old pipes.
Some pipes in George Town have been in use for over 50 years, requiring replacement work that involves high costs and time.
Zairil denied claims that the sinkhole was linked to the construction of the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit project.
“It has nothing to do with the LRT project. This issue has been around for years and is due to old, worn-out pipes,” he said.
The sinkhole, located in front of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sungai Ara, measures 5 metres long, 3.5 metres wide and 1.9 metres deep. – Bernama
