Sarawak: The firefighting operation at the Kuala Tatau-Serupai bush fire in Tatau has entered its eighth day, with the situation reported to be under control.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Control Centre stated that monitoring efforts by Tatau firefighters and plantation management revealed only small plumes of smoke, thanks to rain the previous night which helped extinguish some areas.

The statement detailed that the operation, which commenced at about 11 am, saw three teams deployed to various locations to control and extinguish the fire. The operation was concluded at 5.30 pm on the same day. The fire initially spanned 300 hectares, out of which 226 hectares have now been extinguished. Thirteen firefighters from the Tatau station, under the leadership of station chief Sim Mui Chai, were involved in the operation, with assistance from five Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel.

In a separate incident, the operation to extinguish the bush fire in Kampung Penasu, Daro, Mukah, reached its fourth day. The fire is still actively being tackled by Daro firefighters. The burning area is divided into three sectors to aid the firefighting and control operations. The blaze has affected approximately 75 hectares, with 10 hectares successfully put out so far.

The operation at Kampung Penasu involves 16 personnel and two vehicles - a Light Fire Rescue Tender (LFRT) and a Hilux, led by Daro fire station chief Hasman Bakar. Additional support is being provided by 15 workers from the Daro Jaya Estate 2 and 10 residents from Kampung Penasu.