Kuala lumpur: The Penang government has mandated swift repair operations following the occurrence of subsidence and a retaining structure failure along the maintenance route of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) at Sungai Dondang and Sungai Air Hitam, Thean Teik Highway.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced that both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the state DID have officially directed Jiran Bina Sdn Bhd to commence the repairs. This directive is due to the route still being under the responsibility of the Shineville Park housing project developer.

The decision to issue the directive followed a technical investigation by the agencies at the site after complaints were received about the retaining structure failure on October 25. Immediate repair actions involve installing concrete sheet piles along a 447-meter stretch, preparing detailed designs for long-term repairs, removing excess soil in the open area, implementing reinforcement on the upper retaining wall, and conducting full-time supervision and monitoring of the repairs on the structure and slope.

Zairil further mentioned that discussions are planned with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) regarding the land, which has been identified for constructing a TNB Main Distribution Substation (PPU).

As a safety measure, MBPP has closed Solok Thean Teik 2 until the repair work is completed and the area is considered safe.