KOTA KINABALU: Petronas is conducting blowdown – a process to completely remove residual gas in the section of the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP) that was burnt by fire, as a safety measure prior to the commencement of the repair work.
The process, which is scheduled today from 12pm to 3pm, will take place near Merapok in Lawas, Sarawak. Relevant authorities including Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Malaysian Police and Lawas District Office have been notified.
Petronas, which disclosed this in a statement yesterday, advised the public not to be unduly alarmed upon hearing continuous loud sound throughout the process.
It said that the removed gas is harmless and the process will not affect the environment or public health as it is a controlled release.
The fire incident at the SSGP occurred around 2am on June 10 in Lawas, about 135km from the Sabah Oil & Gas Terminal (SOGT) in Kimanis, Sabah.
Petronas said investigation into the incident is on-going and a forensic team from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Putrajaya is also at the scene to carry out required assessment.
In addition, Petronas will continue to engage the communities around the incident area and provide them information on the current situation.
All necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the incident area is secure and safe.
The company added it adhered at all time to stringent safety measures in line with international standards at all of its operations.