KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 31): Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (PetChem) said the interconnecting pipes at the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) in Johor, where a fire broke out  last week, are not within the petrochemical facilities in which the group has a 50% direct equity.

“Preliminary assessments indicate no damages to the petrochemical assets,” PetChem said in a bourse filing with Bursa Malaysia on Monday (Oct 31).

“However, due to the integrated nature of PIC and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the employees, workers and surrounding communities, the petrochemical plants have been temporarily shut down,” it added.

The group said the plant would resume its start-up activities once all safety measures and other considerations have been undertaken.

On Oct 27, Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Corporation Sdn Bhd confirmed that a fire and explosion took place at one of the interconnecting pipes located in the PIC. It said the fire was completely extinguished in about an hour and there were no casualty reported.

PetChem’s share price finished six sen or 0.68% lower at RM8.72 on Monday, bringing the group a market capitalisation of RM69.8 billion.