BAYAN LEPAS, Nov 5 — A large sinkhole measuring approximately five meters wide and nearly two meters deep appeared on Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim in Sungai Ara yesterday, prompting immediate road closures and emergency response efforts by local authorities.

The incident, which occurred near SMK Sungai Ara, was first reported early Tuesday morning. Officers from the Penang Public Works Department (JKR) were swiftly deployed to the scene to assess the damage and initiate mitigation work. The affected section of the road has since been cordoned off with plastic barriers to ensure public safety.

According to Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the sinkhole is believed to have been caused by soil erosion beneath the road surface. “We are taking this matter seriously and have mobilized our team to carry out immediate repairs,” he said during a site visit.

Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz also visited the location to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies. He confirmed that no injuries or accidents were reported in connection with the incident.

As a precautionary measure, traffic has been diverted to alternative routes, including Jalan Sungai Ara 1, Jalan Persiaran Relau, and Jalan Kedidi. Motorists are advised to follow traffic instructions and remain cautious while traveling in the area.

Repair works are expected to continue over the coming days, with authorities urging the public to remain patient as efforts are made to restore the road to safe conditions.

For real-time updates, residents can follow announcements from the Penang JKR and local authorities.

[https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/11/05/penang-jkr-launches-urgent-repairs-after-5m-wide-sinkhole-in-sungai-ara-road-temporarily-closed/197206](https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/11/05/penang-jkr-launches-urgent-repairs-after-5m-wide-sinkhole-in-sungai-ara-road-temporarily-closed/197206)

[https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/04/bayan-lepas-sinkhole-cordoned-off-road-closed-for-investigation-says-exco](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/04/bayan-lepas-sinkhole-cordoned-off-road-closed-for-investigation-says-exco)

[https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/11/04/cave-in-reported-on-penangs-jalan-dato-ismail-hashim](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/11/04/cave-in-reported-on-penangs-jalan-dato-ismail-hashim)

Sungai Ara Sink Hole