GEORGE TOWN: An immediate investigation will be conducted after a sinkhole appeared along Lebuh Mayang Pasir in Bayan Baru on Thursday (Oct 28).
The on-site investigation was conducted after Indah Water Consortium received complaints from the public about the incident.
"Immediate mitigation measures have been initiated, including urgent emergency repair works with completion target by Nov 7, if weather permits," said IWK in a statement.
It said based on preliminary findings, the incident is suspected to have been caused by a dislocated pipe joint.
It said the affected sewer pipe, which is approximately 300mm in size and located at a depth of about 4m, is more than 30 years old.
It said this is the first reported incident of its kind in the area, with no previous complaints related to sewer defects recorded.
IWK said it will continue to conduct detailed investigations and closely monitor the site to determine the actual cause of the incident.
As at 8pm on Wednesday (Oct 28), the situation is under control and immediate site protections have been put in place.
It said it will conduct planned inspections periodically as part of its risk management approach.
"In addition, IWK is undertaking comprehensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning across Penang to assess ageing infrastructure and identify areas requiring sewer pipeline upgrading work," it said.
IWK said it will work closely with authorities and stakeholders to restore the affected infrastructure promptly and responsibly and will continue to monitor the conditions at the site closely and provide the necessary support.
Pantai Jerjak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol who visited the site on Wednesday (Oct 28) said he was informed by Mayang Pasir Village Community Management Council (MPKK) on the incident.
He said road barriers had been installed to ensure public safety, and the relevant authorities had been informed to take further action.
“Road users are advised to exercise caution when passing through this area,” he said.
