TWO lawmakers have called for a thorough probe into the cause of the fire at the Samalaju Industrial Estate in Bintulu, Sarawak on Wednesday as they feared that dangerous chemical pollutants could have been released into the atmosphere.
Tanjung Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang and Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing separately called for a thorough investigation of the incident and its impact on surrounding areas.
“The fire at the chemical plant had caused an explosion, but the management of the facility had failed to provide a clear picture of what had happened.
“There are real concerns that the explosion had resulted in contamination of dangerous pollutants into the surrounding atmosphere.
“I have asked the Bintulu disaster management committee, the Department of Environment (DOE) and Bintulu Hospital authorities to be on alert.
“The DOE should immediately carry out tests to ascertain the impact to the atmosphere from the chemical plant explosion,” Pang said in a press statement.
Tiong, who is also federal tourism minister, said the 10 injured workers were still in serious condition with four in the intensive care unit, four in the burn unit, and two awaiting surgery.
“The impact was severe as there was fire and explosion. We are worried now about the possible contamination to the atmosphere.
“The management of the plant did not disclose full details. That is not acceptable, and I have requested an investigation to be carried out,” he said.
Tiong said this was not the first time such an incident had happened at the plant.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the fire had started in a reactor at the site. The cause of the incident is still being investigated.
Samalaju is located about 150km south of Miri along the Miri-Bintulu second coastal highway. – August 16, 2024.
