Underground gas leak detected in Kuala Baram

MIRI, Oct. 5: Firefighters have detected an underground gas leak at a palm farm in Kuala Baram this morning.

A team from the Lutong Fire and Rescue Department (BBP) arrived on site at 11.14 am after receiving an emergency call at 10.54 am.

According to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Sarawak's Operations Movement Centre (PGO), an inspection found a leak from underground in the drilling area at a depth of 28.5 meters and was reported since Saturday.

"Test results found that the gas reading decreased from 10 percent to five percent, while the readings were also recorded at 30 percent LEL.

"Operation Commander, PBKI Azmi then ordered continuous monitoring and gas testing to be carried out around the incident area", according to the statement.

As the situation is not yet confirmed safe, all on-site activities are ordered to stop immediately and any activity is prohibited until security has been confirmed.

The operation was contained at 11:30 a.m. before being fully completed by 12:40 p.m. No casualties have been reported.

Monitoring and re-testing of the gas is scheduled at 8am tomorrow with operations also accompanied by Sarawak Energy Berhad and Geospec Sdn Bhd.-TVS