MIRI: The Sarawak Government will not make any decisions or premature speculation regarding the gas leak incident at the construction site of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tudan, opting instead to await the full findings of technical studies and official recommendations from all relevant agencies.

Sarawak Minister for Transport and Senadin Assemblyman, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, said the cautious approach is necessary to ensure that any decision taken is accurate and firmly based on safety considerations.

According to him, the incident was detected yesterday (Friday) after the school informed the authorities of a gas release during piling works for the construction of a new canteen at SK Tudan.

“The contractor subsequently contacted Sarawak Gas and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM). Firefighters arrived at the site, took samples and, based on video recordings, the gas was seen escaping under strong pressure,” he said.

He was speaking to the media after the Appointment Ceremony and Luncheon of the 64th JCI Miri Awards 2026 at a hotel here this afternoon.

He explained that during the piling works, two boreholes with depths of approximately 33.6 metres and 33.9 metres suddenly released gas.

Dato Sri Lee said several agencies were present at the site, including the Department of Environment (DOE), JBPM, the Resident’s Office and Miri District Office, as well as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

He added that later that afternoon, a special JBPM Hazmat team from Bintulu was deployed to the location to conduct further monitoring and gas sampling, with preliminary findings confirming that the gas is flammable in nature.

He also informed that PETROS Sarawak had dispatched a technical team to the site and confirmed that the gas was not caused by a gas pipeline leak.

“At the initial stage, we suspected the possibility of a gas pipeline leak, but this was ruled out following PETROS’ confirmation,” he said.

According to him, further investigations are currently being carried out by the Department of Chemistry Malaysia and the Minerals and Geoscience Department to identify the type of gas and the geological characteristics of the area, including the possibility that the site may be a natural gas reserve area.

Commenting on whether the school should be relocated or whether construction should proceed, Dato Sri Lee stressed that no decision will be made at this time.

With regard to schooling sessions for SK Tudan pupils, he said the matter would be discussed with the education office and relevant agencies, taking into account safety advice from JBPM.

A joint monitoring report with the Department of Chemistry Malaysia, Bintulu Branch, confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons, while several other substances such as toluene, acetone and hydrogen cyanide have yet to be confirmed and will undergo further laboratory testing.

In its operational report, JBPM also confirmed that all construction works at the site have been temporarily halted on safety grounds, with continuous monitoring being carried out until all risks are fully identified and brought under control. -UKASnews