Lawas: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department has recommended that the Sarawak North Coastal Highway (NCH) construction site in Lawas be shut down after highly-flammable methane gas was detected at high risk levels today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department's operations centre reported that the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) readings for three days by portable gas detectors near the gas-emitting hole had risen to 100 per cent. Meanwhile, readings within a five metre radius in the area recorded LEL readings of zero per cent.

The Hazmat team has advised that the area be shut down and that local authorities ensure no activities are conducted at the location to avoid safety risks. The statement also mentioned that advice and confirmation were obtained from the Minerals and Geosciences Department, the Department of Environment, and the Chemistry Department.

The Lawas Fire and Rescue Station had received a call at 12.33 pm Wednesday regarding the emission of gas from the ground at the construction site. This occurred after contractors conducted drilling work at a depth of about 45 metres, with gas flow being reported as still active at the surface.

The NCH is a RM6.8 billion infrastructure project conducted by the Sarawak government under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) and the North Region Development Agency (NRDA).