JOHOR BARU: A burst water supply pipe sent a large body of water gushing from the side of the Pasir Gudang Highway near Plentong about 3pm today, causing traffic congestion during the evening rush hour.
State water utility company SAJ Ranhill Sdn Bhd said the incident may have been caused by a problem during pipe re-attachment works at the ongoing highway-widening project.
SAJ Ranhill corporate communications chief Jamaluddin Jamal said even though the incident affected a main pipe, water supply to all areas would not be affected.
"The incident was detected by SAJ Ranhill about 3pm. Water supply to the affected pipe measuring 1,200mm wide was subsequently closed an hour later.
"Repairs works are ongoing and are expected to be completed later tonight.
"The incident will not affect water supply as the current water supply chain is stable," said Jamaluddin.
Seri Alam police chief Superintendent Jokhiri Abd Aziz aid policemen were on hand to control traffic flow.
"Policemen are on hand to make sure at least one lane on both sides of the four-lane dual carriageway are moving," said Jokhiri.
Motorists stuck in the congestion expressed their frustration about the incident via social media.
Sharon Ling said that she was caught in a jam when trying to take the Plentong exit at the Pasir Gudang Highway.
"Look at this traffic jam. How am I going to get to Plentong?" she wrote on Facebook.
Fellow Facebook user Ady Jamal, who was stuck in the gridlock, posted a photo of the burst pipe and cautioned followers in the ‘JB Tracer’ forum to avoid the area.
"Avoid the Pasir Gudang Highway as it is jammed on both sides. The location is near the BHP station before the Giant Plentong exit," he said.