Gebeng: The operation to extinguish the fire at a 176-hectare oil palm plantation and forest along the Kuantan-Sungai Ular bypass, Gebeng, which started on Feb 22, has been successfully completed today. Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director, Mohd Razam Taja Rahim, however, said that close monitoring of the location will continue to be conducted by the Gebeng Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) for the next three days.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this monitoring is important as the fire occurred on peatland, where embers often remain underground, even though they are not visibly apparent on the surface of the plantation and forest. Mohd Razam emphasized the need to ensure no remaining embers could potentially ignite another fire. He extended appreciation to the agencies involved, including the Kuantan District Office, the Public Works Department, and the Irrigation and Drainage Department for their cooperation during the operation.

The Malaysian Civil Defence Force, the Department of Environment, and other parties also collaborated with JBPM in the firefighting efforts. This collective effort underscores the government’s commitment to the sustainability of the people’s lives, as noted by Mohd Razam in his statement.

The fire initially started in an oil palm plantation and spread to the adjacent forest, leading to the air pollutant index (API) in the Balok Baru area reaching an unhealthy level of 193 on Tuesday. Over 70 personnel from 10 fire and rescue stations were involved in tackling the blaze.

The incident drew the attention of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who advised residents in the affected area to exercise caution due to the air quality. Furthermore, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, visited the site and was briefed by relevant agency officers on Thursday.