Two men died and three others were injured after allegedly inhaling a large amount of gas while carrying out maintenance work at the Petronas Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn Bhd (PCFSSB) plant near Kota Kinabalu, reported The Star.

The incident took place when the five, including a Malaysian, allegedly released the gas from a pipe and were too near the source when the incident happened at about 9.30am.

Sipitang police chief Deputy Supt Ag Md Arsad Ag Bakar, who confirmed the incident, said it (the released gas) would not affect the surrounding areas.

Malay Mail Online reported that Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) confirmed the incident at the plant, which is part of the Sabah Ammonia Urea project, located in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park.

“Five PCFSSB contractors were affected. The company, however, regrets to inform that two fatalities have been reported. The other three affected personnel have received appropriate medical treatment.

“Our Emergency Response Team was immediately mobilised and the situation has been contained,” PCG reportedly said, adding that there was no immediate threat to the surrounding communities or environment.

PCFSSB is extending all necessary assistance to the affected personnel and their family members.

The report said that authorities are still investigating the cause of the leak.