TRAFFIC along stretches leading out of the state administrative complex of Komtar in George Town will be challenging as it will take five days to repair a sinkhole at the heart of Burmah Road.
The sinkhole which reportedly emerged due to a burst underground sewerage pipe, is now causing congestion as road users navigate pass it along a one-way Burmah Road passage.
It is located just before the turn into Transfer Road, one of the busiest road arteries during office hours in George Town.
Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) in a statement, confirmed that it will take five days to fully repair the sinkhole.
The mishap was caused by a sewer pipe that collapsed when two connected pipes loosened, causing leaks.
This eventually caused the road to collapse.
“The collapsed pipe is a 52.5cm gravity line, located just downstream from the force main,” IWK said.
IWK said urgent repairs were under way and that it was taking all necessary steps to fix the problem soonest.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has advised motorists to avoid as traffic diversions are in place along Burmah Road.
Both the MBPP and traffic police have deployed personnel to redirect traffic along the affected stretch. – September 21, 2025