C. Khor
A Bayan Baru sinkhole has closed part of Lebuhraya Mayang Pasir in Penang. The Public Works Department (JKR) says the stretch stays shut until Saturday, 31 October.
Sewerage operator Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) is repairing the damaged pipe below. It targets 7 November for completion, weather permitting.
Here is what happened, the suspected cause and how to get around the closure.
What happened on Wednesday
A road user spotted the hole at about 3.10pm on Wednesday, 28 October, reports said. It formed in the Taman Sri Tunas area, close to homes.
The hole is about two metres deep and holds water. JKR and police arrived soon after. Bayan Baru is a busy residential and commercial area on the island.
JKR put barriers near the hole and at both approaches. Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol said there were no injuries.
He also reported no damage to vehicles. Residents alerted his office after they saw the hole. Photos show a large hole full of water, with barriers around it.
Residents near Taman Sri Tunas should follow instructions from JKR and the police on site.
The road remains closed for now. The reports did not say how long the closed stretch is.
Suspected cause and repair plan
IWK suspects a dislocated joint in a sewer pipe. The pipe is about 300mm wide and more than 30 years old.
It lies about four metres underground. IWK added that the Bayan Baru sinkhole is the first incident there. It has no earlier sewer complaints on record. State exco Zairil Khir Johari said early information pointed to a burst sewage pipe. He said the cause is not yet confirmed.
Fahmi said JKR’s inspection pointed to a leak from an old IWK pipe. IWK will keep investigating to confirm the exact cause, it said.
Emergency repairs have started. Fahmi said crews began work on Wednesday night, and IWK says safety measures are in place at the site.
IWK aims to finish by 7 November, but only if the weather allows.
Rain could slow the work. Our report on the continuous rain warning for Penang covers the forecast.
Fahmi earlier said the repairs could take one to two weeks.
How to get around the closure
JKR advised motorists to use alternative routes and plan their journeys around the closure.
One option is Lebuh Mayang Pasir and Jalan Mahsuri. Another is Lorong Mayang Pasir 5, Lebuh Mayang Pasir 2 and Lorong Mayang Pasir 1.
Drivers who use the highway daily may want to leave earlier until the road reopens.
Allow extra time for weekday morning and evening trips.
Fahmi urged drivers in the area to take care and cooperate with the authorities. He said road users should exercise caution when passing through the area.
JKR expects the road to stay shut until Saturday, but IWK’s repair target runs to 7 November. Check for updates before you travel. Motorists can also ask JKR Penang or the police about road conditions before setting out.
The reports did not say whether the break disrupts water or sewage services. We will update this story when JKR or IWK confirm a reopening time.
Sashidaran Gunathevan
Imran Hilmy
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