Bintulu MP launches post-disaster response, urges safety review after Samalaju Industrial Park reactor explosion

Tiong King Sing

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 15: Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) and Bintulu MP, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has disclosed that a post-disaster response is now underway following a reactor explosion in Bintulu’s Samalaju Industrial Park.

In response to the incident, Tiong immediately contacted key departments including the Resident’s Office, Fire and Rescue Department, and Bintulu Hospital to gather crucial details about the situation.

“I have instructed the Bintulu Health Office to assess the situation and to promptly release the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for dealing with this disaster to the public.

“If necessary, the Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) will be reactivated as an emergency measure.

“Although I am currently on an official visit abroad, I have contacted the staff at the Bintulu Parliamentary Service Centre to help coordinate the efforts, hoping to expedite the post-disaster response process,” he said in a Facebook post.

The explosion, which occurred yesterday, resulted in 10 injuries and has raised serious concerns about the factory’s safety measures.

The minister went on to say that he has been in contact with the hospital to ensure that the injured are properly examined and treated.

“It is understood that this is not the first explosion at the factory; a similar incident occurred earlier this year, indicating that the factory’s disaster prevention measures are inadequate.

“This poses a threat to the safety and health of both the employees and the general public.

“I hereby issue a warning: the factory must operate conscientiously, review and enhance its risk management mechanisms, and ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” he asserted.

Tiong also stated that the explosion has caused a stir in the Bintulu community, with many people receiving information from various sources, resulting in widespread anxiety.

“I urge everyone to critically verify the authenticity of the information and avoid spreading rumours that could cause unnecessary panic.

“Any official information should be based on announcements from the relevant authorities,” he added. — DayakDaily