PEATLAND FIRE EXTINGUISHING OPERATION IN SUNGAI KAPAL 50 PER CENT COMPLETE

KOTA TINGGI, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The operation to extinguish a peatland fire in Sungai Kapal, Taman Bayu Damai, which has been raging since last Friday, reached 50 per cent completion as of 7 pm today.

The Johor State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said that approximately 49.8 hectares, or nearly half of the 99.55 hectares affected, had been brought under control and extinguished. No casualties have been reported.

In a Facebook post today, the department said the fire had spread rapidly due to dry and windy weather, sending thick smoke into the Taman Bayu Damai residential area.

"To assist in assessing the rate of spread and terrain conditions, a Drone Unit from Zone 2 has been deployed. The operation faces challenges due to limited water sources and difficult access routes to the fire site.

"An excavator rented from the Pengerang Municipal Council is being used to create fire breaks to prevent the blaze from spreading further. The extinguishing operation is being carried out in stages involving two main sectors," the post read.

A total of 26 JBPM personnel are involved in the operation, supported by a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), a Hilux, a hydrosub, and a three-tonne lorry. The operation also involves cooperation from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Civil Defence Force (APM), Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Department of Environment (DOE).

Johor JBPM deputy director Assistant Fire Commissioner Muhammad Al Mustakim Abdul Hady, who was present to oversee the operation, said efforts would continue until the fire was fully extinguished.

-- BERNAMA