Malaysia: IWK detects chemical spill after explosion in Penang industrial area

The Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) has detected a pink-coloured, noxious gas in the sewer system after an underground explosion at the Bukit Minyak Industrial Area in Penang. The company dispatched a team to the area after the incident to assess its impact and implement safety measures. In a statement, IWK said the team found signs of illegal chemical discharge from a nearby factory based on the presence of unusual gas in the sewer network. It has notified the discovery to the environment department and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and requested their assistance in identifying the source of the chemical spill. Although the sewer line remains operational with no blockage or damage, the blast displaced a manhole cover and damaged a road culvert. The area has been barricaded, and the manhole temporarily secured.
Penang fire and rescue department assistant director John Sagun Francis confirmed the underground explosion and said that no injuries were caused by it.