Menglembu: A 400-litre ammonia gas cylinder, which was believed to have not been properly closed, caused a gas leak and chemical spill at an ice manufacturing factory in the Menglembu Industrial Area here today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations, Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, stated that the department received a call regarding the incident at 10.32 am. In response, a team from the Pasir Puteh Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), alongside the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Special Team, was dispatched to the location.

Sabarodzi explained that the leak resulted from the gas cylinder not being closed properly, leading to an uncontrolled release of gas pressure and a spillage of approximately seven litres of ammonia. Initial monitoring revealed that the ammonia gas concentration inside the factory reached 300 parts per million (ppm), while the reading outside was 100 ppm. Fortunately, no victims were reported to have been involved in the incident.

He further noted that two Hazmat team members, equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), entered the risk area to close the valve on the gas cylinder, successfully stopping the gas release. The team also conducted spill control work using a chemical binder before collecting the hazardous waste for safe disposal in salvage drums.

Sabarodzi reported that following these actions, the gas concentration inside the factory decreased to 250 ppm, with no detectable readings outside the premises. Monitoring operations and spill control efforts continued to ensure the area was completely safe, allowing the operation to be concluded safely.