KUCHING, Jan 13: Works Minister Baru Bian has expressed concern at the latest report of a fourth leakage along the Petronas Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP), which occurred between Long Kawa and Ba’Selulung in Mulu, Baram, in the wee hours today.
According to the Ba’Kelalan assemblyman, the incident has caused much uneasiness and triggered fear for many of the residents in close proximity to the pipelines.
“I myself am very concerned, as this is the fourth incident after the one at Long Segaman, Lawas, in early May last year.
“Again, I request for a swift and thorough investigation into how fire can erupt along the pipeline, and that I be fully briefed of the same soonest,” he said in a press statement today.
Baru, who is also MP for Selangau, was relieved that no one was hurt in this incident.
He said Marudi district police chief, DSP Jo Hang, had informed him that three pipelines were fully sealed and secured before 3am following the incident.
“I was informed that SSGP BV112 (Block valve Station 112) was closed at 1.59am last night, and apparently, pressure at both upstream and downstream BV112 indicated pipeline leakage and rupture.
“BV111 was closed at 2.03am manually from the CCR (Conradson Carbon Residue) due to pressure dropping rapidly,” he added.
It was understood that the Block valves 111 and 112 are at Pa Tebulo/Arur Kenangan and Long Kawa respectively and BV 105 bypass was fully closed at 2.48am.
The five Penan villages near the pipeline are Long Kawa, Long Siang, Ba’Selulung, Long Kevok and Long Urang.
The Long Kawa and Ba Selulung pipeline fire incident was detected at 2am, after the workers found out that the gas pressure was declining and causing the fire.
However, the leaked gas pipeline and the fire was successfully put under control as of 6.40am, and no casualties were reported. — DayakDaily
