KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — The cave-in at the road in Teluk Bahang, George Town yesterday was the result of abnormal rainfall and not pipe-laying activities, said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) today.

The utility firm was rejecting allegations by Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Shah Headan Ayob Hussain, who yesterday suggested that PBAPP was to blame for the collapse at the section of the road.

The firm acknowledged that it had installed pipes at the section, but pointed out that this was done nearly three decades ago.

It also added that the pipeline in question was not affected by the cave-in yesterday.

"PBAPP is not aware of any engineering data, evidence or proof indicating that the collapse is caused by the pipeline.

"It is very highly improbable that a pipeline that was laid in 1987 can suddenly cause a road collapse in 2016,” it said in a statement today.

PBAPP said its consultation with Penang exco Lim Hock Seng led to the consensus that the 304mm of rainfall across three days was the main culprit for the collapse, and that it was incorrect to blame the firm for the incident.

Shah Headan yesterday asserted that improper slope stabilisation after pipe-laying activities was partly to blame for the collapse. He further asserted that PBAPP had installed pipes in the area "around 10 years ago”.

The road was reopened to the public late yesterday.

Several parts of Penang were flooded yesterday following the unusually heavy rainfall of between 28mm to 105mm.