Jalan Wan Alwi pipeline burst not physically and directly caused by ART route contractor

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 18 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said that a recent pipeline burst along Jalan Wan Alwi was not physically and directly caused by the contractor of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) route based on the preliminary findings.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says the pipeline burst is believed to be due to ground vibration and fragility of an aged asbestos cement pipeline 

He added based on pipe condition assessments and preliminary investigations, the pipeline burst was believed to be due to the ground vibration and the fragility of an aged asbestos cement pipeline.

Lee said the affected pipeline was located beneath the existing carriageway and outside the designated construction work zone of the ART route.

He said it was also not part of the recorded utility information made available during pre-construction planning and verification exercises.

He explained prior to commencement of piling activities, Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd and its contractor had undertaken all necessary due diligence measures, including utility detection surveys, trial pits, and piloting investigations within the designated work zone, to reconfirm the presence of underground utilities, with verification carried out by the respective utility asset owner.

“The affected pipeline was located approximately two metres away from the actual piling location, with no evidence of direct physical contact by construction machinery,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA).

On  road conditions and temporary diversions along the ART routes, Lee said ministry acknowledges the inconvenience to road users.

He said the affected roads are temporary diversion routes for the KUTS project, designed to facilitate safe construction while maintaining traffic flow.

“Due to heavy construction works, frequent staging adjustments, and temporary pavement modifications, these roads are more susceptible to accelerated wear and tear, including potholes, uneven surfaces, and faded lane markings.

“Nevertheless, Sarawak Metro continuously monitors these roads through routine inspections and carries out rectification works such as pothole patching, resurfacing, repainting lane markings, and replacing traffic signages,” he said.

He said the temporary arrangements will evolve with construction progress, saying that upon completion of permanent KUTS structures, all affected roads will be fully reinstated to permanent standards and handed over to the relevant authorities.