Rep demands company clear the air as it remains silent on Bintulu factory fire

BINTULU (Aug 15): The company that operates the factory at the Samalaju chemical plant here where an explosion and fire occurred yesterday has a responsibility to clarify the situation, uphold the public’s right to know, and disclose any potential risks, prioritising the safety of the people, said Johnny Pang.

Saying this incident has endangered public safety, the Tanjung Batu assemblyman however urged the people to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation.

He said he would be in contact with relevant government departments and agencies, such as the Bintulu Disaster Management Committee, hospitals, the Fire and Rescue Department, police, Department of Environment, and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), to request the company to explain the incident, provide reports and outline the emergency response and preventive measures taken by the company following the incident.

“I will also request that the relevant departments immediately implement safety measures, particularly regarding the spread of smoke after the incident, and whether it has caused air pollution that could affect public health. Data and statements on this matter should be made public,” he said.

He expressed deep concern over the ten employees who were injured in the incident, with four still in the intensive care unit, three in the burn treatment unit, and three awaiting treatment in the surgical ward.

He prayed for their speedy recovery and hoped they would soon be out of danger.

Pang revealed that this incident is not the first of its kind in the state.

“In the last session of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, I had already raised concerns about safety issues at the Samalaju plant and strongly urged the relevant departments to strictly enforce inspections and conduct surprise checks,” he said.

He added that he will bring up the issue in the next Legislative Assembly session, demanding a reasonable explanation from the relevant departments after a thorough investigation, for the people of Bintulu.

“For high-risk factories like this, both the company and the relevant government departments must exercise extreme caution, as no accidents, however minor, should be allowed to occur,” he said.

After visiting the Bintulu Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) today, he reiterated that after the incident, many rumours were circulating, while the company remained silent without issuing any information or preventive warnings, which he described as highly irresponsible behaviour.

He added that there are already reports circulating online that the gases released from the explosion could affect health, potentially causing severe irritation or burns to the eyes, respiratory tract and skin, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and even damage to the respiratory system.

Pointing out that such reports have undeniably caused public panic, he said he would be in contact with hospitals and the health department to understand the situation further.

“The company should immediately activate its emergency mechanism, disclose the potential crises that the explosion may have caused, and enable the public to take preventive measures as soon as possible,” said Pang.

Additionally, the explosion has raised concerns about whether the safety equipment of the company meets and complies with safety guidelines and standards.

As such, he will request that the relevant departments review the safety of the company’s equipment and demand a written report on the incident to prevent similar accidents from happening again in the future.