MIRI: Residents around Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tudan are advised not to enter the school construction project site following a gas leak incident detected on February 6 during piling work.

The precautionary measure was taken to ensure public safety while further investigations are carried out by the relevant authorities.

Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that upon receiving the report, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Zone 6 Miri and related agencies were mobilised to the location to conduct initial monitoring and investigations.

He also visited the site and attended the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee coordination meeting to ensure that immediate action was taken in an unified manner.

“The gas samples have been sent to the Malaysian Chemical Department Laboratory, Bintulu Branch for further analysis.

“So far, both pile holes that emitted gas have been covered with canvas and a worker has been placed at the construction site for safety purposes. No injuries have been reported and the situation is under control,” he said in a media statement on Monday.

According to him, as a precautionary measure, all construction work has been stopped immediately and the project site has been completely closed until the investigation by the Sarawak Minerals and Geosciences Department (JMG) is completed.

The Senadin Assemblyman added that the JMG is scheduled to conduct further investigation on 9 February to gain confirmation regarding the detected gas capacity.

Dato Sri Lee also advised the surrounding residents to avoid any open burning activities and the use of firecrackers, especially ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration, in addition to complying with safety instructions issued by the authorities.

However, class sessions at SK Tudan are allowed to continue as usual, but activities near the project site must be avoided to reduce any risks.

The Sarawak Government, he stressed, will continue to monitor the situation from time to time and ensure that public safety is always prioritised.

Also present were Miri Division Resident Galong Luang and Miri District Officer Siti Rohanie Yusof. -UKASnews