BUKIT MERTAJAM: Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd has detected an illegal chemical discharge from a nearby factory following an explosion at the Bukit Minyak industrial area here yesterday.
IWK said it had immediately mobilised its operations team to the site of the underground explosion near a sewer pipeline after the incident.
“Immediate investigations were conducted, and safety precautions have been implemented at the affected site, including barricading the area.
“From the preliminary investigation, IWK’s team found that the sewer network was functioning normally, with no observed blockages or structural defects.
“However, the manhole cover was displaced due to the blast, and a nearby road culvert sustained damage.
“Our investigation also revealed a noxious, pink-coloured gaseous influent in the sewer system, indicative of illegal chemical discharge from a nearby factory,” it said in a statement today.
IWK said it had notified the Department of Environment (DOE) as well as the National Water Services Commission (Span), and had requested assistance in identifying the source of the chemical spill into the sewer system.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations, John Sagun Francis, said yesterday that the explosion was believed to have originated underground near a sewer pipeline at Lengkok Perindustrian Bukit Minyak 2.
No injuries were reported.
It was also reported that the sewer pipeline belonged to IWK.
IWK said it would carry out a CCTV inspection, upon obtaining approval from the authorities, to assess the internal condition of the sewer before initiating permanent repair work.
“As an immediate safety precaution, the displaced manhole has been temporarily secured with a cover.
“Sewer flow remains unaffected, indicating no internal obstruction or collapse at this stage,” it added.
IWK said it remains fully committed to assisting the authorities and supporting further investigations.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
