Hazmat deployed after tanker overturns near Cherating Bridge, leaking hydrochloric acid into mangrove area

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — An ISO tank lorry carrying nearly 25 tonnes of hydrochloric acid overturned near Cherating Bridge in Pahang this morning, leaking the hazardous chemical into a nearby mangrove area and triggering an emergency response.

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Mohd Salahudin Isa said the leak involved less than 1,000 litres of the acid.

“It is estimated that less than 1,000 litres of acid were spilled as the leak involved the tank’s upper hatch cover,” he said in a statement.

The lorry was travelling from Pasir Gudang in Johor to Kemaman in Terengganu when the incident occurred.

The driver, 34-year-old Muhammad Noor Azwan Abd Saman, sustained injuries and was taken to Hospital Kemaman for treatment before firefighters arrived at the scene.

“The Hazmat team carried out water curtain operations to reduce the spread of acid vapours towards the main road, while the Department of Environment and the company concerned were contacted for further action to manage and remove the chemical,” Mohd Salahudin said.

He added that efforts were underway to transfer the remaining hydrochloric acid into a replacement tanker, while firefighters continued to monitor the area.

According to the statement, the Gebeng Fire and Rescue Station received an emergency call at 7.32am and arrived at the scene at about 8.03am.