Two dead in ammonia leak at Petronas plant

THE deaths of two people and the hospitalisation of three others from inhaling ammonia gas after a leak at a Malaysian chemical plant has been confirmed by Petronas Chemical Group (PCG).

The leak affected contract workers performing maintenance work during commissioning activities of the Sabah Ammonia Urea project at the Petronas Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah plant near Kota Kinabalu. The Star reported that the gas was leaking from a pipe the workers were standing near, the incident occurring at around 09:30 (local time).

PCG said it mobilised its emergency response team immediately after the incident, to contain the leak.

PCG also reports that two of the hospitalised workers have subsequently been released, while the third is stable and under observation. The company has conveyed its condolences to the families of the deceased.

“The incident posed no immediate threat to the surrounding communities or environment,” the company assured.

PCG said an investigation has been initiated and is ongoing.

According to The Malay Mail, Sipitang police chief deputy superintendent Ag Md Arsad Ag Bakar confirmed the incident, adding that the police will also be conducting an investigation.