Disaster check: JKR personnel in this file photo inspecting a large sinkhole on Jalan Datuk Ismil Hashim in Sungai Ara, Bayan.
GEORGE TOWN: If the numerous reports of sinkholes and landslides in the state have made Penangites feel as though there has been “too much rain” this year, the figures now confirm it.A data table in the state assembly shows 20 sinkholes recorded in 2025, compared with just eight last year.
Penang also saw a whopping 68 landslides compared with 28 last year.
For sinkholes on the island, the Northeast District (where George Town is) had four sinkholes, while the Southwest District (where Balik Pulau is) had four.
The rest occurred on the mainland led by seven in Central Seberang Perai, three in North Seberang Perai and two in South Seberang Perai.
Landslide incidents rose sharply, too. Combined records from the Public Works Department (JKR) and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) showed 68 landslides this year compared with 28 cases last year.
On the island, the Northeast District recorded 40 landslides this year, while the Southwest District recorded 28. No landslides were reported on mainland Penang.
This was also reflected in dam readings.
On Oct 26 and 27, Air Itam Dam reached 99.4% effective capacity, the highest level since 2021.
Penang Water Supply Corporation logged 526.5mm of rain in this dam’s water catchment area between Sept 1 and Oct 27.
Data on the spike in Penang’s sinkholes and landslides were provided by the state infrastructure committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari, and the local government committee chairman, Jason H’ng, following questions posed by Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo.
“To detect potential sinkholes early, ground-penetrating radar should be paired with a sensor system along underground water and sewage pipelines.
“These sensors can alert agencies to anomalies in pipeline flow, which may indicate leaks that can lead to sinkholes,” Woo said on the sidelines of the state assembly yesterday.
“MBPP spent RM98,000 to purchase ground-penetrating radar equipment. We can detect and map objects beneath road surfaces using geophysical methods. The equipment allows early detection of potential sinkholes,” Zairil said in a written reply.
Outside the state assembly, Zairil said frequent rain has softened the ground.
“Decades-old pipes with small leaks get worse when too much rainwater seeps in.
“Old-style soil compaction standards of roads cannot tolerate the modern burdens, leading to sinkholes. Penang will use ground penetrating radar to monitor conditions underground.”
Recently, two large sinkholes, one in George Town along Jalan Burma and another in Sungai Ara near Bayan Lepas, caused partial to full road closures that led to massive traffic jams.
On landslides, Zairil said that JKR received RM8.79mil from the Works Ministry to repair high-risk slopes in Penang.
The allocation covers 16 locations and will involve soil investigations, site clearing and slope strengthening measures.
“Several agencies are working together, and they are limiting construction in highland areas, hillslopes and geologically sensitive zones,” Zairil said.
“All developments near hillslopes must comply with the Penang Safety Guideline for Hill Site Development 2020, the Slope Design Guideline by JKR and the Planning Guideline for Development in Hill and Highland Areas by the Town and Country Planning Department.”
