By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Sept 18: The samples of an ‘unexplained’ liquefied gas discovered recently near the Grand Old Lady at Canada Hill by hikers will be sent to the relevant authorities to be further studied.
In revealing this to reporters on Friday morning during his visit to the site , Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting said some samples from the area are being collected to be examined further.
Accompanied him were a retired geologist from Shell, Rick Carter, officers from Sarawak Museum Department and several fire personnel from Miri Fire and Rescue (Bomba) Department.
“I’ve informed and shown the video on the discovery of this area to our Sarawak Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and also Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Berhad) for further discussion (for them to look into the matter),” he opined.
Ting also expressed his concern on public safety in the area and advised members of the public not to go there as it could pose a danger.
“We do not know the amount of gas coming out from the well where the liquefied gas was discovered on Sept 14 and it could pose a danger to the people, please stay away from the area,” he said.
For the sake of public safety, the area has been cordoned off.
The first oil was discovered at the Grand Old Lady, situated on top of Canada Hill, by Sarawak Shell some 110 years ago.
The discovery of the first crude oil at the area, has transformed Miri from a fishing village at that time with a population of 5,000 into what it is today.-DayakDaily
