Damaged concrete pipe behind Bayan Baru sinkhole, road closed for repairs until Nov 7, says Penang exco

Damage to a 750-millimetre concrete pipe has been identified as the cause of a sinkhole on Mayang Pasir Highway in Bayan Baru, with repair works expected to be completed by November 7. — Picture from Facebook/Aun Chuan

First Published: Friday, 30 Oct 2026 9:45 AM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 30 — Damage to a 750-millimetre concrete pipe has been identified as the cause of a sinkhole on Mayang Pasir Highway in Bayan Baru near here, with repair works expected to be completed by November 7.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd was carrying out repairs in stages to ensure safety at the site.

“The sinkhole has been temporarily covered with a steel plate, and safety measures in the area have been strengthened. IWK is also diverting the water flow and pumping water out of the sinkhole in preparation for the next phase of repairs,” he said in a statement last night.

He said sheet piling works to stabilise the ground were scheduled to begin tomorrow, ahead of excavation works.

The affected road will remain closed until repairs are completed. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes via Lebuh Mayang Pasir, Jalan Mahsuri and Lorong Mayang Pasir 1.

The sinkhole, measuring about 2.5 metres in diameter and four metres deep, was discovered on Mayang Pasir Highway yesterday and is believed to have been caused by damage to IWK’s sewerage system. — Bernama