MIRI (Feb 10): The Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) Sarawak has begun an advanced geophysical investigation at a construction site near SK Tudan here to assess a suspected underground gas pocket, following a reported gas leak last Friday.

JMG Sarawak director Jaithis John said the survey, which began on Monday, involves laying cables over an area of approximately 400 metres, with subsurface scanning reaching depths of up to 50 metres.

“This geophysical survey acts like an ‘X-ray’ of the ground, allowing us to visualise the underground structure without excavation,” he explained during a site briefing.

“The survey helps us determine whether a gas pocket below, its size, and the volume of gas involved,” he added.

If a significant pocket is confirmed, the matter may be referred to other relevant authorities for further action.

Jaithis emphasised that the operation is still in the monitoring and data-collection phase.

Once of the data processed, authorities will decide whether construction can continue as usual or if remedial measures are needed.

Strict safety precautions remain in place, with open flames and smoking prohibited within a minimum 50-metre radius of the affected area.

“The compound is within a school zone, which is already a no-smoking area, but the public must fully comply with these safety measures,” he said.

Also present were Lutong fire station chief Henry Jugah and SK Tudan headmistress Lim Ai Joik.

A preliminary report conducted last Sunday by the Department of Chemistry Malaysia Bintulu branch detected methane in gas samples collected at the site, while the presence of other gases requires further verification.

The report noted that the detected natural gas is highly flammable and may displace oxygen, posing a suffocation risks.

Currently, the piling holes emitting gas have been covered with canvas as a temporary safety measure.