Ammonia leak: Over 100 workers evacuated from Pontian food processing factory


Hazmat team personnel carrying out checks at a food processing factory in Pontian, Johor after an ammonia gas leak was reported at the facility.

PONTIAN: Johor Fire and Rescue Department deployed its Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team following an ammonia gas leak at a food processing factory along Jalan Johor, here.

The department received a distress call at around 2.03pm on Tuesday (Nov 5) about the incident and instructed the Pontian Baru fire and rescue station to deploy a team to the location immediately.

According to operation commander Mohd Hasnan Abd Rahman, the incident occurred due to a leak in a pipe inside the factory, releasing about 50 litres of ammonia gas.

"When our men arrived at the scene seven minutes later, work began to transfer about 100 litres of ammonia gas from the leaking tank to the two reserve tanks.

"Firefighters had to transfer the remaining ammonia gas and evacuate the building as a precautionary measure to ensure area safety," he said here on Wednesday (Nov 6).

He added that at the time of the incident, there were about 107 workers inside the premises who were instructed to return home for their own safety.

"A Hazmat team from Larkin fire and rescue station then arrived at the location around 8pm and immediately carried out an inspection inside the building using detector devices.

"The ammonia gas concentration reading shows 0.45 ppm, which is at a controlled and safe level," he said, adding that the factory owner and the appointed contractor are now responsible for maintenance work and the decontamination process at the affected area.

Mohd Hasnan said that around 19 firemen, including Hazmat, as well as one Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) and one Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) and other assets were deployed to the scene.

He added that the incident was under control through the close cooperation between the two fire stations without anyone sustaining any injuries.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Appellate Court to deliver verdict on former ministry sec-gen and son’s graft appeals on Feb 20
Freedom of Information Bill may be tabled in 2025, says Kulasegaran
Thunderstorm warning extended to more states until 9pm on Nov 21
MB Onn Hafiz announces two-month salary incentive for Johor civil servants
Three BIlls passed in state assembly as Sabah Budget 2025 sitting ends
Lorry driver fined RM16,500 for reckless driving
High Court dismisses RM20mil defamation suit against Rasah MP Cha Kee Chin
37 local companies appointed as hajj pilgrimage operators for 2025
Tanjung Malim clinic will not resume 24-hour operations, says Health Minister
A son's last call to his mother before crash that killed him and three others, including two pregnant women

Others Also Read