December 7, 2025
World
World
LOS ANGELES, Dec 7 — Spectacular lava fountains burst from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano on Saturday, US volcanologists said, nearly a year after one of the world’s most active volcanoes began its latest eruptive phase.
MARANG, Sept 21 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has confirmed that the gas pipeline leak at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Kerteh, involving Petronas Gas Berhad (PGB), is under control and poses no danger to public health.
Director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said strategic safety measures were taken, including sealing off the area and halting construction work to avoid any ignition risks. Only the JBPM Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Special Team is allowed in the red zone, while other responders have been advised not to perform actions that could spark fires.
He explained that JBPM, together with Petronas, is working to disperse the butane vapour cloud using fine water spray to dilute and safely dissipate the gas. A team of 10 Hazmat members has been deployed to assess hazardous areas and maintain site safety.
“If conditions permit, dispersal within a 500-metre radius will begin tonight to aid the cleaning process and remove all butane gas from the pipeline before further steps are taken by Petronas,” Nor Hisham said.
He stressed that the leak occurred far from residential areas, posing no health risk to the public. However, he cautioned that butane remains highly flammable when mixed with air in certain concentrations, which is why strict precautions are in place. The cause of the leak is still under investigation.
Earlier, police closed the Kerteh-Ranggon main road after the 9.53 am incident at Section 5 of the ECRL site. Kemaman police chief Supt Mohd Razi Rosli confirmed that the leak involved butane gas and took place about two kilometres from the main road, without affecting nearby homes. — Bernama
