KULIM: Quick action by the Fire and Rescue Department's hazardous materials (Hazmat) team prevented a major chemical spill after a truck skidded and dropped tanks containing 2,800 litres of nitric and phosphoric acid on Jalan Padang Meha, Padang Serai, today.

Approximately 55 litres of chemicals leaked onto the road - 30 litres of nitric acid and 25 litres of phosphoric acid - while the remaining contents stayed contained in their tanks.

Kulim Hi-Tech Fire and Rescue Station chief Azmir Hassan said the Hazmat team was deployed immediately after receiving a distress call at 2.15pm.

He said the truck was transporting chemicals labelled as aluminium etchant, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid.

The spill involved two intermediate bulk tanks carrying 2,000 litres of nitric acid and four drums containing 800 litres of phosphoric acid, he said.

"Hazmat personnel conducted air quality monitoring using specialised equipment to detect chemical residue and airborne contaminants.

"Safety barriers were also set up to secure the area. "Twelve intact drums containing 2,400 litres of phosphoric acid were relocated to a safe zone using a forklift.

"Meanwhile, the damaged nitric acid tanks and phosphoric acid drums will be removed with heavy machinery, including a crane," he said in a statement today.

He said no injuries were reported, and the operation is ongoing with assistance from the police and the Department of Environment (DoE).

"Clean-up operations will continue until the site is fully secured," he said.