AN ice factory in Taman Perindustrian Jaya, Ara Damansara, and the surrounding area was closed to the public after an ammonia gas leak yesterday.

Petaling Jaya district police chief Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid said police received an emergency call about the gas leak at 10.17pm yesterday and 27 firefighters rushed to the scene.

He said the area around the industrial park, which is about 400sq m, has been closed to the public due to a pollution index reading of 200 parts per million (ppm).

“No one has been affected by the incident and nearby residents who smell gas and experience symptoms of dizziness and vomiting should inform police and seek treatment.

“Until 1.15pm today, this area is still closed to the public. People have been asked to use other routes to avoid any untoward incidents,” he said today.

Fakhrudin said the area around the ice factory would only be reopened when the pollution index reading is 25 ppm.

He said the reading inside the factory was 240 ppm and the surrounding area was 200 ppm.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar said firefighters used water mist to lower the ammonia level to a safe rate.

“No victims have been reported. Our personnel will be at the location until the area is confirmed safe,” he said.

A resident of Apartment Seri Meranti, which is located next to the industrial area, said he experienced shortness of breath and a sore throat after inhaling ammonia last night.

He said at the time of the incident, he was in the apartment’s joint management committee office and thought there was an air-conditioner gas leak.

“But after the air-conditioner was switched off, the smell lingered and got stronger. Then I went out and saw residents exiting their homes, complaining of shortness of breath,” he said. – Bernama, October 25, 2023.