Partial Destruction of Chemical Recycling Plant in Shah Alam

Incident Details

A chemical recycling plant at Kapar Indah Industrial Park in Klang, Selangor, was partially destroyed in an explosion this afternoon, but fortunately, no casualties were reported. The incident occurred at around 4:23 pm, and the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) was alerted to the situation.

Response and Assessment

JBPM operations assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar stated that the department received the report on the incident and dispatched a Hazmat team from the Shah Alam fire and rescue station to the scene. Upon arrival, the team reported yellow eye-irritating smoke on-site, which prompted further action.

Air Testing and Firefighting Efforts

The Hazmat team conducted air testing to determine the air quality at the scene, and according to the operations commander, the results showed that the air was in a normal condition. The material burning was identified as recycled acid, which posed a significant challenge for the firefighters. A tanker lorry was destroyed by the explosion and subsequent fire, requiring specialized equipment and expertise to extinguish the flames.

Investigation and Cleanup

The Hazmat team is waiting for the Department of Environment to conduct further inspections and assessments to determine the full extent of the damage and potential environmental impact. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.

Conclusion

The partial destruction of the chemical recycling plant in Shah Alam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper safety protocols and emergency response measures in industrial settings. While the incident was fortunately contained without loss of life, it highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and cooperation between authorities, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

FAQs

Q: What was the cause of the explosion at the chemical recycling plant?
A: The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been related to the burning of recycled acid.

Q: Were there any casualties reported in the incident?
A: No, there were no reported casualties in the incident.

Q: What was the extent of the damage caused by the explosion and fire?
A: The explosion and fire partially destroyed the chemical recycling plant, including a tanker lorry, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Q: What is being done to investigate and contain the situation?
A: The Hazmat team is working with the Department of Environment to conduct further inspections and assessments, and the Selangor police are investigating the incident.