Highly flammable methane gas has been detected at the Kaul Festival site in Oya, prompting safety concerns following an extensive monitoring operation by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department.
Zone 4 Bomba Sibu Chief Andy Alie said gas readings showed Lower Explosive Limit levels ranging from 90 to 100 per cent, placing the area in a high-risk category due to the potential for ignition.
He advised that all excavation and ground work at the site be suspended until the source of the gas is identified.
“The readings indicate a dangerous concentration of flammable gas. No soil disturbance should be carried out until further investigations are completed,” he said today.
Due to the site’s location along a main access route to the Kaul Festival grounds and nearby recreational areas, police assistance has been requested to restrict public access and prevent activities in the affected zone.
The methane was detected during a monitoring and identification operation conducted on Thursday from 10.30am to 5pm by the Bintulu Hazmat Team, with support from the Mukah Fire and Rescue Station.
Three separate readings using 4-Gas Meter equipment consistently recorded critical LEL levels, while oxygen levels ranged between 19 and 20.7 per cent. Trace amounts of hydrogen sulphide were detected during the third reading.
Andy said further investigations by technical agencies are necessary due to the severity of the findings, recommending the involvement of the Natural Resources and Environment Board, the Chemistry Department and the Department of Minerals and Geoscience.
Methane is a colourless, odourless and highly flammable gas that can ignite easily when mixed with air. It carries the highest flammability rating under the NFPA 704 classification.
Authorities including the police, Department of Environment, Mukah Dalat Municipal Council, Oya District Office and a soil investigation firm were involved in the operation.
Public safety remains the priority, and residents have been urged to follow all safety instructions until the area is declared safe.
