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Press Metal says Sarawak smelter catches fire, affects 3.0pct of annual capacity

KUALA LUMPUR: Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd has reported a fire incident at a smelter owned by its subsidiary Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the alumunium smelter said the incident happened at the Phase 3 Smelter in Samalaju Industrial Park, Sarawak shortly after 11pm last night and had since been extinguished.

"We are grateful that swift evacuation procedures ensured there were no injuries or fatalities," it said.

The company estimated the incident to impact about 3.0 per cent of its annual smelting capacity.

The fire affected 100 out of 300 pots in the smelter, while Phases 1 and 2 remain unaffected. 

According to Press Metal, around 9.0 per cent of total smelting capacity, across Samalaju and Mukah, was impacted. 

"We estimate it will take about four months to restore operations of the damaged pots hence on a full-year basis, this impacts about 3.0 per cent of our annual smelting capacity. 

"The affected assets are adequately covered by insurance," it added.

Press Metal's share price fell 23 sen or 4.9 per cent to RM4.45 for a market capitalisation of RM36.7 billion.

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