Lee (centre) getting information on the gas pipeline burst from the police and firemen at the scene.
MIRI: Contractors intending to conduct underground excavation works along the roadside must obtain clearance from utility agencies first.
Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin said this is vital in order not to cause any damage to the underground utility cables.
“Contractors who want to conduct excavation works at the roadside such as for drainage must get clearance from the utility agencies first such as Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Telekom, Laku, Public Works Department and Sarawak Gas.
“This is to avoid any damage to the underground utility cables,” he stated when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.
He was asked to comment on the gas pipeline burst in front of the Road Transport Department office here on Wednesday.Touching on the burst gas pipeline, Lee said he was on the way to Miri Airport for Kuching on that day and stopped by at the fire scene for a check.
He praised the safety measures taken by Sarawak Gas personnel and for turning off the gas supply in the main pipeline immediately. He also thanked the firemen and the police for their quick response to the situation. According to initial investigation, he said Sarawak Gas and Petronas found a hole in the gas pipeline which might have been caused by a third party.
“I’ve already spoken to the general manager of Sarawak Gas on the matter and he told me that they will conduct further investigation to look for the actual cause of the gas pipeline burst.”