MRT: Probe into cause of Jalan Bukit Bintang sinkhole ongoing

Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has begun investigations into what caused a water pipe to burst, resulting in a sinkhole to form on the sidewalk of Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) Strategic Communications and Public Relations Director Encik Mahmood Abdul Razak said the investigations began immediately after the incident was reported at around 6am this morning.

“We cannot say how long the investigations will take. However, our engineers together with those from our Underground Works Contractor, MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd, are already on the ground,” he said.

Initial investigations showed that a water pipe beneath the sidewalk of Jalan Bukit Bintang near the Jalan Imbi intersection had burst, resulting in a depression to form on the road which later developed into a sinkhole. A guardhouse belonging to a nearby car dealership was damaged as a result of the sinkhole.

Mahmood said MRT Corp and MMC Gamuda were working to repair the sidewalk and reopen as soon as possible the stretch of Jalan Bukit Bintang, which had been closed to traffic since this morning. However, he said the safety of road users would be priority and not be compromised.

“Our contractors had to pump out the water from the sinkhole to enable the agencies to repair the damaged utilities. Only after that could they start backfilling of the sinkhole,” he said.

Mahmood said the road would remain closed for at least 48 hours to enable backfilling of the sinkhole and repair of the sidewalk to be carried out.

A 100m stretch of Jalan Bukit Bintang between the Jalan Imbi intersection and Pavillion Shopping Centre was closed immediately after a depression on the sidewalk of the road was discovered this morning. All traffic from Jalan Tun Razak heading towards Pavilion was diverted into Jalan Imbi.

Police also closed the Jalan Imbi intersection to traffic from Jalan Raja Chulan. Vehicles from Jalan Raja Chulan were not allowed to make the right turn into Jalan Imbi. The intersection was reopened at 4.00pm.

Traffic from Jalan Raja Chulan heading towards Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Tun Razak is not affected.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to road users and those who work in the vicinity. We seek the public’s patience as efforts are in place to restore the situation,” Mahmood said.