Bayan lepas: A side lane on Jalan Kenyalang 1 in Bayan Lepas, near here, will be closed for six days starting today following the discovery of a sinkhole. Penang Public Works Department (JKR) said the road closure will remain in effect until Jan 25 as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of road users.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, road users in the area are advised to cooperate during the closure. They are urged to drive carefully, plan their journeys, and follow instructions from the authorities, as stated by the department on its Facebook page today.

Meanwhile, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari told Bernama that the sinkhole was detected at 9.30 am and further investigations are ongoing. He explained that the sinkhole measures approximately 2 metres in length and width, with a depth of about 1.7 m. So far, the main road is unaffected, but only the side lane is closed.

Initial measures have been taken by the relevant parties, including the installation of plastic barriers to block the road in both directions. Excavation of the sinkhole is being carried out to determine the exact cause.