KUALA LUMPUR: A gas leak at an engineering section of Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Thursday led to 39 people falling ill, Malaysian emergency services stated in a statement.
The incident occurred without disrupting air travel at Malaysia’s primary airport, where those affected reported symptoms of dizziness and nausea. Muhammad Nur Khairi Samsumin, a local rescue officer, confirmed that 24 persons had been discharged after receiving medical attention, while 14 others remained under care at the Air Disaster Unit. “A total of 39 victims suffered from dizziness and nausea,” Muhammad Nur Khairi Samsumin said.
One person required hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms. “All of those affected work for three companies operating at the facility,” Muhammad Nur stated.
The leaked gas was identified as methyl mercaptan, emanating from an “unused tank” within the airport’s engineering section.
“Work to cover the leak was being done by the emergency crew,” he said, adding that the tank would be dismantled and disposed off.
“Methyl mercaptan is typically added to liquefied petroleum gas to impart a distinct odor, similar to rotten cabbages, which serves as an alert in the event of leaks,” explained Muhammad Nur.
