Ayer Keroh NGV leak, 482 workers evacuated

A total of 482 workers from three factories and a warehouse had to be evacuated following an underground NGV gas pipe leak at the Ayer Keroh industrial area, here today.

Central Melaka police chief ACP Salehhudin Abd Rahman said in the 10.15 am incident, all the workers at the Mintye, Cargill Feed and Rock Wood factories and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) warehouse were ordered to gather about 400 metres from the site of the leak as a precautionary measure due to the risk of sparks which could cause an explosion.

The four premises had to halt their operations for about two hours due to the leak. No casualties were reported, however, he added.

"The incident is believed to have resulted from a three-inch hole in the underground pipe caused by the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council contractor during drain installation works," he told reporters.

However, the workers were allowed back to their premises after the NGV gas pipe was shut off at 1.30 pm by Gas Malaysia Berhad and which would replace the damaged part soon, he added.

Meanwhile, Melaka Fire and Rescue deputy superintendent Kamarulzaman Mohd Din said they received the distress call at 10.18 am and arrived at the scene 11 minutes later with two fire engines, a Hazardous Material (Hazmat) team and 20 personnel from the Ayer Keroh station.

He said the NGV gas pipe supplied to 11 factories in the vicinity and the losses incurred were yet to be determined.