Repairs on burst pipe in Prai River under way after divers assess damage

BUTTERWORTH: Two commercial divers swam down into the turbid waters of the Prai River on Monday (Dec 18) night to determine the scale of the damage to the water pipe.

The 1.35m pipe, which burst earlier that day, sends treated water from Sungai Muda in the north to much of Butterworth on the mainland, the island's South-West District where places like Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru are situated, and a large portion of George Town.

ALSO READ: Several areas in Penang face water cut after pipe bursts at Prai River

In a statement on Tuesday (Dec 19), the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) said the divers descended at 10.30pm and were able to assess the size of the rupture.

Repairs are under way and PBAPP said the island's South-West District may experience supply disruptions until the pipe, which runs across the riverbed, is resealed.

On Monday morning, commuters crossing the river at the bridge near Taman Ampang Jajar saw a "geyser" shooting 3m to 5m into the air from the middle of the river.

The cause of the rupture is still unknown.

The river's depth is estimated at between 2.5m and 3m.