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BINTULU, Feb 17 – A landslide caused by continuous heavy rain near Bintulu Port has partially exposed around one-fifth of the port’s water reservoir foundation, raising concerns about erosion and structural integrity.
The landslide, which occurred on January 29, affected the slope between the Bintulu Port water reservoir and the Pusaka LPG Bottling Plant, disrupting operations in the area.
Authorities Take Action to Prevent Further Damage
In an official statement, Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd (BPSB) assured the public that the tank’s overall structure remains intact, and there is no risk of immediate collapse. However, as a safety measure, the water inside the tank has been fully drained to prevent further complications.
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BPSB is currently working with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and other relevant authorities to implement erosion control measures.
“The safety of our staff, stakeholders, and surrounding communities is our top priority. We are actively collaborating with all parties involved to stabilise the affected area,” the statement read.
LPG Distribution Rerouted to Kuching
The landslide also disrupted the operations of the Pusaka LPG Bottling Plant, which is managed by Pusaka Integrated Resources Sdn Bhd (PIRSB). To ensure a continuous supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to consumers, PetrosNiaga, the commercial arm of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), has diverted LPG distribution from the Bintulu terminal to the Senari IOT facility in Kuching.
On February 10, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi confirmed that PetrosNiaga had activated its Business Continuity Plan to guarantee an uninterrupted LPG supply for both domestic and commercial users across Sarawak.
Stabilisation and Recovery Efforts Underway
Efforts to restore normal operations are currently in progress. BPSB and PIRSB have begun stabilisation and recovery works, ensuring the site is safe before full operations resume.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will update the public on any further developments.