Soil depression detected at Jalan Batu Kawan in Penang, authorities close off affected section, begin urgent repairs, says state exco
BATU KAWAN, June 6 — A soil depression was detected yesterday at P149 Jalan Batu Kawan, specifically at the junction connecting the road to a newly completed bridge, according to Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
He said the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the project contractor. However, immediate remedial measures were taken by PDC upon receiving public complaints.
'PDC promptly carried out premix patching to raise the road level and installed warning signs to prevent any untoward incidents involving road users,' he told Bernama when contacted.
He said the contractor will proceed with excavation work to determine the root cause of the soil depression before implementing permanent repair measures, which will involve the use of additional materials such as geotextile, basal reinforcement, and other necessary strengthening methods.
'These actions are essential to ensure long-term road stability and to prevent future soil depression. All repair costs would be borne by the contractor because the project is still within the defects liability period (DLP,' he said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Operations Division of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Penang, John Sagun Francis, said a team of seven members from the Batu Kawan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was sent to the location after the department received a call regarding the soil depression.
On arrival, the team found that a soil depression had occurred, but there were no victims involved. Immediate action was taken to close off the affected area and ensure no vehicles were allowed on the compromised section of the road,' he said.
The incident gained public attention yesterday after a social media post went viral, showing images of the soil depression along the main road near the Batu Kawan bridge.
The post also highlighted visible cracks on the concrete structure dividing the road. Firefighters were seen at the location, placing safety cones and taking precautionary measures to secure the area for road users. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Tengku Zafrul sees Google's investment driving Malaysia's AI economy
Tengku Zafrul Aziz, who is on a working visit to the US, says he met Google representatives in Washington. PETALING JAYA : Google's investment in Malaysia is expected to continue driving the country's artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing economy, according to investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz. He said Google's RM9.4 billion investment to set up its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia could generate up to RM15 billion in long-term economic impact and create 26,500 jobs by 2030. Tengku Zafrul, who is currently on a working visit to the US said he met Google representatives to discuss how the company can continue to drive AI development in Malaysia, strengthen cybersecurity and invest in digital skills. 'The government is committed to providing full support and ensuring a conducive investment climate for high-quality investments,' he said in a Facebook post. Last week, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to a RM10.5 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in Malaysia, including the development of hyperscale data centres in the Klang Valley. The announcement came in the wake of a 24% tariff on Malaysian goods announced by the US in April, before a 90-day pause was declared a week later.
Free Malaysia Today
8 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
It's WhatsApp to the rescue for stranded hikers
The hikers with the rescue team comprising firefighters from Bukit Mertajam and members of the public. (JPBM pic) BUKIT MERTAJAM : Two youngsters who got lost while hiking in the Cherok Tok Kun forest near here were swiftly rescued by the fire brigade, thanks to a handy smartphone. State fire and rescue assistant director John Sagun Francis said the two 18-year-olds sent their location via WhatsApp to his department at 1.16pm. 'A team from the Bukit Mertajam fire and rescue station was deployed to the location.' The state recreational forest is home to Bukit Cherok Tok Kun and Penang's largest tree, with its enormous buttress roots. Five personnel, aided by members of the public, were involved in the search and rescue operation. He said the two hikers were found and brought down safely three hours later.
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Barnama
Seventeen Of State's Best Honoured At INPenang International Awards 2025
GEORGE TOWN, June 21 (Bernama) -- The INPenang International Awards 2025 here tonight honoured 17 Penang-born individuals and state organisations for achieving excellence in their respective fields while contributing to society. Held biennially, the international awards recognise excellence across a wide range of categories and this year, the INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Malaysia Retailers Association president Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong, who also is Group Executive Chairman of GIANT, Mercato, TMC and GAMA. Among the recipients of the INPenang National Awards were Dr Mary CH Quah for Women's Leadership; Dr Kenny Loh (Top Cultural Fashion Designer); Wonderfood Museum Penang (Best Tourism Experience); Sunway Carnival Mall (Best Retail Mall) and Ghee Hiang Manufacturing Co Sdn Bhd (Best Heritage Brand). Meanwhile, five individuals were honoured with the International Outstanding Achievers Award, namely former Consul General of Thailand in Penang Datuk Raschada Jiwalai; Myanmar Airways International and Mingalar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Commercial Officer, Tanes Kumar; Honorary Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Value Partners Group, Hong Kong, Datuk Seri Cheah Cheng Hye; Sunway Healthcare Group president Datuk Lau Beng Long and The Smart Investor Director and Managing Editor Cheah Chay Tiong. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim who officiated and presented the awards, praised the recipients for putting Penang on the map both nationally and internationally. 'The stories behind each award recipient tonight are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. Whether in business, the arts, social causes or innovation, these individuals and organisations have not only excelled in their fields but have also contributed meaningfully to the greater good. 'As Minister of Human Resources, I am proud to see how Penang continues to be a hub of talent and forward-thinking leadership,' he said in his speech. Besides the above, dré Coklat Sdn Bhd, Space Ace Elite Sdn Bhd and Alan Lim Hin Loong togather with Catherine Lee Siow Mei (Fusion) were named as winners of the INPenang Emerging Entrepreneur Award, recognising their innovative ventures and entrepreneurial success. One of the key events highlights was the appearance of 'Baby Hawke, a small robot powered by leading Artificial intelligence (AI) and Robotics industrial automation solutions provider, UB GROUP, which delivered the trophies to the winners on stage.
