KUALA TERENGGANU: The company involved in the Petronas Gas Berhad (PGB) pipeline leak at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project site near Kerteh has been instructed to submit a full investigation report to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Terengganu.
DOSH Terengganu said it would carry out a complete investigation and take legal action if there were any violations of provisions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.
Under the Act, employers convicted may face a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
A team of DOSH Terengganu officers had visited the site to conduct preliminary investigations into the incident.
"A prohibition notice has been issued on all construction activities in the area until it is confirmed safe,” DOSH said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 21).
DOSH Terengganu assured that all relevant agencies were working closely to ensure the situation remained under control, adding that no injuries had been reported so far.
"The public is urged to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities. Further updates will be provided from time to time,” it said.
It said PETRONAS Gas Berhad had closed two main valves to contain the leak and was carrying out gas evacuation works on the pipeline.
"The process is expected to take at least three days. The area has been declared a restricted zone with 24-hour security by the Royal Malaysia Police. Members of the public are strictly prohibited from approaching the site to avoid any safety risks,” it said.
On Saturday (Sept 20), police had closed the main Kerteh-Ranggon road to all vehicles following the leak of a PGB butane gas pipeline at the ECRL Section 5 site in Kerteh.
Kemaman OCPD Supt Mohd Razi Rosli said an emergency call was received at 9.53am reporting the leak of highly flammable butane gas.
He said the leak occurred about two kilometres from the main road and did not involve any villages or residential areas.- Bernama
