KOTA KINABALU – The loud boom and tremors felt in Sabah were not caused by any Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) operation in the state.
Petronas in a statement tonight said all of its assets and personnel in Sabah are safe, adding that day-to-day operations are being carried out as usual in the normal course of business.
“In response to news reports today that the loud boom and tremors felt in Sabah could be linked to Petronas’ operations in the state, Petronas would like to confirm that the sound and tremors are not caused by any of its operations in Sabah.
“Petronas would like to reassure its stakeholders and the public that utmost priority is exercised across its operations at all times to ensure the safety of the people and environment, in accordance with the law and standards of a reasonable and prudent operator.”
Earlier today, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani had denied claims that police were carrying out any bomb detonation or disposal activity in the area, and said the explosion might have been caused by petroleum industry activities.
He asked the media to check with Petronas.
A check this evening at Sipitang and nearby areas, including Petronas’ Sabah Ammonia Urea project site, found no sign of anything that could have caused the explosion and tremors felt by the people there.
Besides Sipitang, the earth-shattering sound and tremors were also felt by residents in several places in the state, as well as in Labuan and neighbouring Brunei. – Bernama, January 31, 2021
