MIRI, Feb 7 2026: The Sarawak government will not make any decision regarding the gas emission at the construction site of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tudan, but will instead fully wait for the results of technical studies and official recommendations from all relevant agencies.
Lee Kim Shin says that Petros has sent a technical team to the scene and confirmed that the gas was not caused by a gas pipe leak.- Photo by Ukas
Transport Minister and State Legislative Member for Senadin Lee Kim Shin said that the cautious approach was necessary to ensure that any decision taken were accurate and based on safety factors.
He said gas emissions were reported yesterday morning during piling work for the construction of SK Tudan's new canteen.
"The contractor then contacted Sarawak Gas and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba). Firemen arrived at the location, took samples and based on the video recording, the gas came out with strong pressure," he said when met by the media after the 64th JCI Miri 2026 Inauguration and Awards Luncheon at a hotel here this afternoon.
He explained that while the piling work was being carried out, two pile holes measuring approximately 33.6 metres and 33.9 metres deep suddenly released gas.
He said several agencies were at the scene, including the Department of Environment (DoE), Bomba, the Resident's Office and Miri District Office, and the police.
He added that on the afternoon of the incident, a special Hazmat team from Bintulu was also deployed to the location to conduct further monitoring and take gas samples, where initial results confirmed that the gas was flammable.
He also informed that Petros has sent a technical team to the scene and confirmed that the gas was not caused by a gas pipe leak.
"At the initial stage, we suspected that the gas pipe was leaking, but this was ruled out after confirmation from Petros," he said.
According to him, further investigations are currently being conducted by the Malaysian Chemistry Department and the Minerals and Geosciences Department to identify the type of gas and the geological characteristics of the area, including the possibility that the area is a natural gas storage area.
Commenting on the question of whether the school should be relocated or construction should continue, Lee stressed that no decision would be made at this time.
Regarding the school session for SK Tudan students, he said the matter would be discussed with the education office and related agencies, taking into account safety advice from JBPM.
A joint monitoring report with the Malaysian Chemical Department, Bintulu Branch, confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons, while several other substances such as toluene, acetone and hydrogen cyanide have yet to be confirmed and will be further tested in the laboratory.
Bomba in its operational report also confirmed that all construction work at the site has been temporarily halted due to safety factors, with continuous monitoring being carried out until all risks are identified and fully controlled.
Last night, the Hazmat team from Bintulu Bomba station found the presence of flammable gas, namely natural gas (methane, propane and butane) emitted from underground of the the new SK Tudan.
Accordingly, the Hazmat team recommended that the area be closed.
“Any location with a drill hole or perforation must be closed or completely filled in if the area is to be opened to the public and schools,” Lutong Bomba station advised last night.
“Local authorities are also advised to ensure that no activities are carried out in the area until the drill hole has been completely filled in to avoid any safety risks,” it said.
It also issued an advisory services and confirmation from the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, Department of Environment (DOE) and Department of Chemistry Malaysia have been contacted.
The station said readings taken near the borehole using four Gas Detector (GFG) equipment showed LEL readings between 30 per cent and above, indicating a high fire risk level.
“Gas monitoring in the surrounding area within a radius of five metres showed the LEL reading was 0%.
“It was found that the LEL reading was at normal levels when the borehole was closed, but the LEL reading increased significantly when the borehole was opened,” the station said.
Yesterday morning, construction work of the SK Tudan’s new building was temporarily halted after an unknown type of gas was “seen” emitting out of a 33.9-metre deep pile hole.
Lutong station’s spokesman said decision to halt the construction work was made after discussions between the police, Sarawak Gas, the contractor and headmaster of SK Tudan.
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