KUCHING: Methane gas has been detected at a Northern Coastal Highway construction site in Lawas on the third day of monitoring by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department's hazardous materials (hazmat) team.
The highly flammable gas was detected during a reading at 11.08am on Friday (June 12), the department said in a statement.
Earlier readings found no traces of flammable or hazardous gas at the site.
"The reading, taken close to a drill hole at the site, showed a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 100%, indicating high risk.
"Further monitoring along a 5m radius showed LEL readings of 0%," the department said.
Following the findings, the department recommended closing the site.
It also advised local authorities to ensure no activities are carried out in the area to prevent safety risks.
"Further advice and verification have been requested from the Mineral and Geoscience, Environment and Chemistry departments," it added.
On Wednesday (June 10), members of the public reported gas coming from the ground at the site.
A team from the Lawas fire station found that the incident occurred after drilling works were conducted at the site to a depth of about 45m.
The hazmat team was deployed from Bintulu to the location on Thursday (June 11).
