IWK suspects dislocated joint on 30-year-old pipe caused Bayan Baru sinkhole, repairs due Nov 7

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 29 — Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) has launched an immediate investigation into a sinkhole incident along Lebuhraya Mayang Pasir in Bayan Baru here, which is suspected to have been caused by a dislocated sewer pipe joint.

In a statement today, IWK said its site investigation began immediately after it received public complaints about the incident, and emergency repair works to restore the affected sewerage infrastructure have also been initiated, with completion targeted for November 7, 2026, weather permitting.

“Based on preliminary findings, the incident is suspected to have been caused by a dislocated pipe joint. The affected sewer pipe is approximately 300 millimetres (mm) in diameter, located at a depth of about four metres and is more than 30 years old,” it said.

IWK said this was the first reported incident of its kind in the area, with no previous complaints related to sewer defects recorded.

The company said detailed investigations would continue, alongside close monitoring of the site, to determine the actual cause of the incident, and that the situation was under control, with immediate protective measures put in place at the affected area.

IWK said it conducted periodic scheduled inspections as part of its risk management approach to sewerage infrastructure and it was also 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 works.

IWK reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public safety, minimising environmental impact and working closely with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to restore the affected infrastructure promptly and responsibly.

It said the site would continue to be monitored closely, with the necessary support provided until restoration works were completed.

A 2.5-metre-wide and four-metre-deep sinkhole appeared on Lebuhraya Mayang Pasir in Bayan Baru near here today, believed to be caused by damage to the IWK sewerage drainage system.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said a Public Works Department (JKR) investigation indicated the sinkhole likely stemmed from a displaced pipe joint. — Bernama