Explosion at tyre boiling factory in Sitiawan

SITIAWAN: The boilers at a tyre boiling operations factory here exploded on Sunday morning, worrying local residents about any potential effects on their health.   

Two fire engines rushed to the scene of the incident along Jalan Pelabuhan 12, Lumut Port Industrial Park to fight the blaze.

No one is believed to have been injured in the incident that occurred at about 10.30am.

Boiling tyres to extract low-grade industrial oil has been a huge concern for local residents as the process releases toxic fumes that can cause cancer.

Manjung councillor Kong Len Wei said he had highlighted the health and environmental hazards caused by the tyre boiling activities to the council at the end of last year.

“The people around the area are very worried that the explosion has released toxic fumes,” he told the Star.

He questioned why the relevant authorities have not take any action on this issue, although it has been highlighted repeatedly.

The Star has been highlighting the dangers of tyre boiling since October last year following massive complaints from the people staying nearby such factories.

Perak Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon had given the operators three months to upgrade their operations, with the grace period due to expire next month.