World · Malaysia Bureau
Aging pipe joint blamed for Penang sinkhole; repairs set for November
Indah Water Konsortium has identified a dislocated joint on a 30-year-old sewerage pipe as the likely cause of a sinkhole in Bayan Baru, Penang. The utility company expects to complete repairs by November 7.
LSN Malaysia ·
GEORGE TOWN — Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) has launched an investigation into a sinkhole that emerged in the Bayan Baru area, with preliminary findings pointing to structural failure in ageing underground infrastructure.
According to IWK's assessment, a dislocated joint on a 30-year-old sewerage pipe is suspected to be the primary cause of the subsidence. The deterioration of the pipe's connection points has likely compromised the structural integrity of the surrounding soil, leading to ground collapse.
The utility company has mobilised repair crews to address the issue and restore normal operations. IWK said restoration work is expected to be completed by November 7, with the schedule dependent on weather conditions and any unforeseen complications encountered during excavation.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the condition of Malaysia's aging sewerage infrastructure in certain areas. IWK has indicated it will continue monitoring the site and conducting inspections of similar pipe networks in the vicinity to prevent similar incidents.