Blast reported at Petronas' oil and gas facility in Pengerang

A blast occurred at Petronas' Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) in Pengerang, Johor, early this morning. 

Petronas, in a statement, confirmed the incident and the ensuing fire at the oil and gas facility.  

“Our Emergency and Fire Response Team was deployed and the fire was contained within 30 minutes. The situation is under control and all relevant authorities have been informed.

“We will provide additional information in due course as (an) investigation is still being carried out,” it said. 

Malaysiakini has contacted Petronas for more details.

The incident happened about 1.25am at a portion of the 2,524-hectare PIC, which serves as Petronas’ petroleum refinery and chemical complex.

Reports have suggested that the fire and explosion were caused by a leaking gas tank.

Social media is abuzz with reports of the explosion being felt in Pasir Gudang, which is about 80km away. 

Videos of the alleged incident, which shows a large fire, with a big plume of smoke rising towards the sky, is also making its rounds on social media. 

The PIC is located at the southeastern tip of Johor and was previously reported to be nearing completion.

[More to follow] - Mkini