SINKHOLE IN BAYAN LEPAS LINKED TO UNDERGROUND PIPE LEAK - STATE EXCO

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The sinkhole that appeared on Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim in Bayan Lepas near here last Tuesday is believed to have been caused by a leaking underground pipe, which led to water seeping into the ground.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said investigations are still ongoing to determine whether the pipe belongs to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) or Indah Water Konsortium (IWK).

“Excavation works at the site found underground water flow, believed to have caused the road to subside. The Public Works Department (JKR) has informed PBAPP and IWK for further investigation, and digging continues to locate the exact source of the leak.

“PBAPP will carry out tests to find the leak more accurately, while IWK will strengthen the drainage pipes located about 21 feet underground,” he told reporters after visiting the site. Also present was Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz.

To ensure public safety, Zairil said Jalan Kenari has been fully closed from the Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim junction, and motorists can use alternative routes via Jalan Sungai Ara 1, Jalan Persiaran Relau or Jalan Kedidi.

Zairil said soil inspections and continuous monitoring are being carried out to ensure the area around the sinkhole is safe and free from cracks or 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.

“We don’t want to just fill the ground because ongoing water or soil movement below could cause the sinkhole to reopen,” he said.

He added that IWK is inspecting all its pipelines across Penang to ensure they are safe, with plans to replace old pipes, especially in George Town, where some have been in use for over 50 years.

Zairil also denied claims that the sinkhole was linked to the construction of the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, saying the affected area is not part of the 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 that need to be replaced. However, replacement work takes time and involves high costs,” 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