Kota tinggi: Two temporary relief centres have been established in Kota Tinggi to accommodate 112 people displaced by a peatland fire that has engulfed approximately 12 hectares along Jalan Sungai Kapal, Taman Bayu Damai, Pengerang. Johor Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) chairman Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman confirmed that the evacuees, who belong to 39 affected families, are currently housed at the Taman Bayu Damai Multipurpose Hall and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Kapal.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a total of 86 individuals from 27 families have been relocated to the Taman Bayu Damai Multipurpose Hall, while another 26 are taking shelter at SK Sungai Kapal. The fire, initially reported to have spread across 5.26 hectares, has rapidly expanded to 12.14 hectares due to prevailing dry and windy conditions, resulting in dense smoke infiltrating nearby residential neighborhoods.

The Fire and Rescue Department highlighted challenges in combating the blaze, noting that operations in Sector A were hindered by the remote location of water sources and limited open water supply. Efforts have thus been concentrated on Sector B, where the fire is advancing more aggressively due to strong winds.

Persistent northerly winds have exacerbated the situation, causing new outbreaks in several areas and contributing to the pervasive smoke affecting residential zones.