Damaged concrete pipe behind Bayan Baru sinkhole, road closed for repairs until Nov 7, says Penang exco

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 30 — A 750-millimetre concrete pipe has sustained damage, leading to a sinkhole on Mayang Pasir Highway in Bayan Baru, according to Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari. A statement released last night revealed that Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd is conducting repairs on a stage-by-stage basis to guarantee safety at the location.

The sinkhole has been temporarily covered with a steel plate, and additional safety measures have been implemented in the area. IWK is also redirecting water flow and pumping out water from the sinkhole in preparation for the subsequent repair stages. Sheet piling works to reinforce the ground are set to commence tomorrow, followed by excavation operations.

The affected road will remain closed until the repairs are finished. Motorists are advised to utilize alternative routes via Lebuh Mayang Pasir, Jalan Mahsuri, and Lorong Mayang Pasir 1. Measuring approximately 2.5 metres in diameter and four metres deep, the sinkhole was discovered on Mayang Pasir Highway yesterday and is suspected to have resulted from damage to IWK's sewerage system.