Massive peat fire spreads across Miri-Marudi pineapple plantation, scorching area the size of 112 football fields, says Fire Dept
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 6 Miri head Senior Fire Supt I Ismaidi Ismail said firefighters from the Marudi fire station remain actively engaged in extinguishing the peat fire, which entered its fourth day today.
'According to the latest update I received from the Marudi station chief, strong winds have caused the fire to spread quickly within the plantation, which spans approximately 838 ha,' he said when contacted.
He pointed out the ongoing hot and dry weather, combined with the strong winds, has posed a major challenge for firefighters attempting to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas.
Ismaidi said the pineapple plantation fire is currently the most severe peat fire reported in Zone 6 and partly contributed to the haze affecting both Marudi and Miri over the weekend.
Nevertheless, he said the situation remained under control.
'So far, the Marudi station chief has not requested additional manpower from other stations under Zone 6.
'However, if the need arises, we are ready to deploy our personnel to assist with firefighting operations,' he added.
Meanwhile, Ismaidi said Zone 6 recorded 27 open burning cases between July 21 and July 27.
'Of these, 16 involved bush or grass fires, one was plantation-related, three involved forest areas, three were peat fires, and four involved rubbish,' he said.
He urged the public to refrain from conducting open burning, which could further worsen the current hazy weather condition. — The Borneo Post
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
Sarawak Water: Sibu faces 12-hour water cut from 10pm tonight for urgent pipeline repairs
SIBU, Aug 5 — Several areas here will experience a water supply interruption tonight due to repair works on major pipeline leakage at Lorong Salim 19 and in front of Ngu Chun Beng Workshop. Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Water) central regional office, in a statement, said the interruption will be from 10pm until completion of the repair works, which is estimated to take 12 hours. The affected areas are from Jalan Stabau/Jalan Kong Yit Khim to Jalan Nibong Tada and Durin, Jalan Salim to Jalan Pedada/Jalan Dr Wong Soon Kai, Jalan Ling Kai Cheng to the Ling Kai Cheng/Ulu Sungai Merah traffic light intersection, Jalan Lada to Sibu town and all village areas. Other areas included from Jalan Brooke Drive to Jalan Teng Chin Hua, Jalan Quarry to Jalan Pasai Siong, Jalan Wawasan to Bawang Assan and Jalan Teku Lama to Jalan Ding Lik Kong. Sarawak Water central regional office advises consumers to store sufficient water for their needs during the interruption. 'We will ensure that the water supply disruption is resolved as quickly as possible, and the water supply will be restored in stages to the affected areas. 'We deeply regret any inconvenience caused by this disruption.' For further enquiries, contact Sarawak Water central regional office's 24-hour hotline at 013-8106311. — The Borneo Post
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Govt ramps up heatwave response
SHAH ALAM: The government has intensified emergency measures to address extreme heat and the prolonged dry weather, activating over 3,300 tube wells nationwide and conducting cloud seeding over drought-hit areas. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Fire and Rescue Department had been instructed to clean and operate the tube wells, especially in high-risk, fire-prone zones, as the Southwest Monsoon persists with lower rainfall and soaring temperatures. "These wells were prepared earlier and have now been readied for operations," Zahid said after overseeing a cloud-seeding operation at the Subang Air Force Base yesterday. "I've directed the fire department to carry out cleaning and fire prevention operations, particularly in areas prone to forest and peat fires when temperatures rise." Zahid, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, said fast operational response was being coordinated through the fire department and district-level disaster management committees. The monsoon season is expected to last until mid-October and authorities remain on high alert. Zahid said the government had successfully carried out a cloud-seeding mission over the critically low Bukit Merah Dam in Gunung Semanggol, Perak, where heavy rainfall was reported just 45 minutes after the operation. "The dam's water level had fallen to a critical 12.21 per cent, or 19.8 feet (6 metres), by July 31 due to prolonged dry conditions." He added that the dam was important for padi irrigation, domestic supply, fisheries and flood mitigation. He said the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had identified suitable cloud formations inland from the Strait of Malacca, prompting the deployment of a Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft. The aircraft released 6,000 litres of sodium chloride solution into the clouds, resulting in the desired rainfall. "This is a scientifically guided operation. With God's will, it brought the outcome we hoped for. We expect it will help ease pressure on local agriculture and water supply." Zahid also voiced concern over rising temperatures nationwide, highlighting that several areas, including Bandar Baharu in Kedah, Selama in Perak, Temerloh in Pahang, Limbang in Sarawak, and Tenom and Pitas in Sabah had recorded extreme heat for three consecutive days. MetMalaysia and the Drainage and Irrigation Department were monitoring other reservoir zones and potential hotspots for further intervention, he said. "Our focus is on areas critical for domestic, agricultural and industrial water needs. We will not wait for formal requests. Action will be taken when ground monitoring shows water levels have dropped below 30 per cent." Zahid said the Health Ministry would issue public advisories to limit heat exposure, especially for schoolchildren.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Over 3,300 tube wells activated in fire-prone areas amid dry season
SHAH ALAM: The government has activated more than 3,300 tube wells in fire-prone areas as a precautionary measure amid extreme heat and prolonged dry weather during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Fire and Rescue Department has been instructed to clean and operate the wells where necessary, particularly in high-risk zones. "These wells were prepared earlier and have now been made operational. "I've directed the Fire and Rescue Department to carry out cleaning and fire prevention efforts, especially in areas prone to forest and peat fires during periods of high temperatures," he said at a press conference after attending a cloud seeding operation at the Subang Air Force Base. Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said swift operational responses have been coordinated through the department and local-level disaster management committees. The Southwest Monsoon, which has brought lower rainfall and higher temperatures, is expected to continue until mid-October, with authorities remaining on alert throughout the period. "Based on advice from Nadma and MetMalaysia, we are ensuring preparedness, particularly in areas experiencing extreme heat," Zahid said. He added that the Health Ministry will issue public health advisories to help minimise exposure to the heatwave. "Clear guidance should be provided to the public, especially regarding limiting outdoor activities. "This is particularly important for schoolchildren," he said, adding that coordination has been made with district education offices to reschedule outdoor school activities.
