The sinkhole that recently appeared on Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim in Bayan Lepas is believed to have been caused by a leaking underground pipe, leading to water seeping into the ground. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the pipe in question 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,” said Zairil. He added, “PBAPP will carry out tests to find the leak more accurately, while IWK will strengthen the drainage pipes located about 21 feet underground.” Zairil spoke to reporters after visiting the site, accompanied by Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz.
For public safety, Zairil confirmed that Jalan Kenari has been completely closed from the Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim junction. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes via Jalan Sungai Ara 1, Jalan Persiaran Relau or Jalan Kedidi.
Soil inspections and continuous monitoring are in place to ensure the safety of the area surrounding the sinkhole, checking for 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,” Zairil noted. “We don’t want to just fill the ground because ongoing water or soil movement below could cause the sinkhole to reopen,” he added.
Zairil also stated that IWK is inspecting all its pipelines across Penang to ensure their safety, with plans to replace old pipes, particularly in George Town, where some have been in use for over 50 years.
Addressing speculation regarding the cause, Zairil denied any connection between the sinkhole and the construction of the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) 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, situated in front of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sungai Ara, measures 5 metres long, 3.5 metres wide, and 1.9 metres deep.
