MARANG: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has confirmed that the gas pipeline leak at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project site in Kerteh, involving PETRONAS Berhad (PGB), is under control and poses no threat to public health.
Its director-general, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, said the department had implemented strategic measures to manage the situation, including closing off public access to the affected area and halting construction work to prevent sparks.
"Only the JBPM Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Special Team is allowed in the red zone, and all other responders have been reminded not to take any actions that could cause sparks," he told reporters at the Fire and Rescue Academy at Wakaf Tapai here on Saturday (Sept 20).
Nor Hisham added that JBPM, in collaboration with PETRONAS, is focusing on dispersing the butane vapour cloud at the site using fine water spray techniques to dilute and allow it to dissipate.
A team of 10 Hazmat members has been stationed at the site to identify hazardous areas and ensure safe operations.
"If there are no obstacles, we plan to start dispersal within a 500-metre radius tonight. This will help with the cleaning process and allow the removal of all butane gas from the pipeline before further actions are taken by PETRONAS," he said.
He reassured the public that the incident had no health impact on the local population, as the leak occurred far from residential areas. However, he cautioned that butane is highly flammable when mixed with air at certain concentrations.
"There are no health effects, but the concern is that it could ignite if it mixes with air at specific levels, which is why we are taking all precautions," he said, noting that the cause of the leak is still under investigation.
Earlier, Bernama reported that the police had closed the Kerteh-Ranggon main road to all vehicles following the leak at the ECRL site, Section 5, Kerteh, which was reported at 9.53am.
Kemaman OCPD Supt Mohd Razi Rosli confirmed that the leak involved butane gas, which is highly flammable, adding that it happened about two kilometres from the main road and did not affect nearby homes.- Bernama
