Underground gas leak prompts shutdown at Kuala Baram site

MIRI: All activities at an oil palm plantation in Kuala Baram have been ordered to stop after firefighters detected an underground gas leak during a safety inspection on Monday.

The Fire and Rescue Department said the leak was first reported on Saturday (Oct 3) at about 10am during drilling work carried out to a depth of 28.5 metres.

A team from the Lutong Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the site at 11.14am on Monday after receiving the emergency call at 10.54am.

Following an on-site assessment, the operation commander ordered further gas testing and continuous monitoring of the affected area.

The latest readings showed gas levels had fallen from 10 per cent to five per cent. A reading of 30 per cent of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) was also recorded during the assessment.

As a precaution, all work at the site was suspended and personnel were barred from resuming activities until the area is declared safe.

Further monitoring and gas testing have been scheduled for 8am on Tuesday (Oct 6).

Seven firefighters and one fire tender were deployed during the operation.

Sarawak Energy Berhad and Geospec Sdn Bhd were also involved in the operation.

Authorities have not reported any casualties or injuries in connection with the incident.