Quick action by firemen prevents explosion in hotel's gas cylinders storage 

SWIFT action by firefighters averted what could have been a major explosion in the heart of Sibu in central Sarawak this afternoon.

A fire broke out in the gas storage facility of a multi-storey hotel located in the town centre at about 1.20pm.

Teams from the Sibu central fire and rescue station rushed to the scene upon receiving an emergency call, said the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department.

"The fire occurred at the LPG (liquified petroleum gas) storage area in the hotel where at least 16 gas cylinders weighing 50 kg each were.

"Firefighters used cooling methods to contain the fire and while there are gas leakages, the fire has been put out," the department said in a press statement.

No one was injured in the incident and the firefighters are working to  stop the gas leak.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.