
KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 28): Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) expects repairs to a sinkhole which appeared along Lebuhraya Mayang Pasir in Bayan Baru, Penang, on Wednesday afternoon to take at least 10 days, with completion targeted by Nov 7, weather permitting.
IWK in a statement said it began investigating the site after receiving public complaints.
Preliminary findings suggest the sinkhole may have been caused by a dislocated joint in an underground sewer pipe. The pipe, which is more than 30 years old, measures about 300mm in diameter and lies approximately four metres underground.
IWK said this was the first reported incident of its kind in the area, with no previous complaints about sewer defects.
As at 8pm on Wednesday, the situation was under control and safety measures had been put in place.
The company will continue investigating the cause and monitoring the site.
IWK also conducts regular inspections and is carrying out CCTV inspections and ground-penetrating radar scans across Penang to identify ageing sewer pipelines that may require upgrades.
It said it would continue working with the relevant authorities to restore the affected infrastructure and ensure public safety.