Penang: About five hectares of forest at the Penang Botanic Gardens along Jalan Kebun Bunga here caught fire this evening. Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Division assistant director John Sagun Francis reported that his department received an emergency call at 6.24 pm, prompting a swift response from a team dispatched from the Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) and the Paya Terubong BBP, along with five fire engines.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Firefighting Operations Team arrived at the scene to find a forest fire affecting an estimated area of five hectares. The Operations Commander conducted a size-up at the location before initiating firefighting efforts.

John Sagun Francis mentioned that firefighting operations are ongoing, involving 19 personnel with support from the New Ferry, Paya Terubong, and Bukit Bendera Volunteer Fire Brigades (PBS), as well as assistance from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the People's Volunteer Corps (RELA).

He further stated that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.