PETRONAS Gas Berhad (PGB) has confirmed a gas leak involving a butane pipeline near Kampung Chabang, Kerteh, on Saturday morning, with emergency response measures still ongoing due to the flammable nature of the gas.
The leak, which occurred at approximately 9.50am near the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Section Five construction site, was confirmed in a statement by PGB, which assured that the situation is currently under control.
“The location is far from major roads and residential settlements. Continuous monitoring is being carried out, and the affected pipeline has been isolated,” said PGB.
Access to the area has been restricted, and site personnel have been deployed to manage the situation. The company also confirmed that customer gas supply remains unaffected, as distribution has been redirected through alternative pipelines within its network.
“There is no disruption to gas supply, as delivery has been rerouted through a replacement pipeline within the network,” it added.
Kemaman District Police Chief, Superintendent Mohd Razi Rosli, confirmed that the site is approximately two kilometres from the main road and poses no threat to nearby villages. As a precaution, the road from Kerteh to Kampung Ranggon has been temporarily closed.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has reinforced safety measures at the site. Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said that although the situation is stable, the presence of airborne butane gas presents a high risk of combustion.
“The leak involves butane gas, which, when mixed with air at lower levels, becomes highly flammable. That’s our main concern,” he said during a media briefing at the Eastern Region Fire and Rescue Academy in Wakaf Tapai, Marang.
He noted that the safety perimeter had initially been set at 2.5 kilometres but has since been reduced to 500 metres following risk assessment. A 10-member Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team will be stationed at the site from Sunday to oversee safety zoning, gas dilution, and disposal operations.
“We believe the full operation can be completed tomorrow. If all goes well tonight, we will begin gas detection within the 500-metre radius to proceed with evacuation of residual butane from the pipeline,” he added.
The fire department is taking all necessary precautions to prevent ignition, including delaying full access to the site until gas levels are confirmed safe.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the leak. The priority now remains on neutralising any remaining gas and ensuring that no fire hazards remain. - September 21, 2025
