Punggai: Hot weather and strong winds are complicating efforts to put out a 51.4-hectare peat fire along Jalan Bypass Sebana Cove-Punggai that started yesterday. Operations commander, Deputy Fire Supt II Baharuddin Idris reported that 9.7 percent of the fire in Sector A, which spans 35.6 hectares, and the entire area of Sector B (15.8 hectares), was under control.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Baharuddin stated, "Our main challenges are strong winds, hot weather, and limited water supply. We get water by using water tankers with the help of related agencies, including Ranhill SAJ." He assured that no new fires have been detected in the area, and there have been no casualties reported due to the fire.

Baharuddin explained that the team is using the direct attack method while awaiting two excavators from other agencies, scheduled to arrive at noon. The department needs larger amphibious excavators capable of operating in peat and forest areas to create firebreaks, especially in Sector A. He noted the risk of the fire spreading if winds strengthen, although the situation in Sector B was under control. "We hope if the weather isn't too hot, we can put out the fire there (Sector B). But in Sector A, we still need help to create firebreaks using amphibious excavators," he added.

The fire is not threatening residential areas, with the nearest housing area in Sebana Cove almost three kilometers away and Punggal about four to five kilometers from the fire. The road has been closed to the public since 2 pm yesterday. The affected area is categorized as agricultural land, with a small part being an oil palm plantation owned by Keledang FELDA, while other areas have yet to be cultivated. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and investigations are ongoing. Baharuddin mentioned, "There are people who enter this area, probably to fish, but we cannot determine if it has any relation to the cause of the fire," adding that 21 personnel, including four Civil Defence Force members, are involved in firefighting efforts.

Meanwhile, Tanjung Surat assemblyman Aznan Tamin advised local residents to heed the authorities' instructions and avoid using the closed Punggal bypass, opting for alternative routes instead. He urged nearby residents, particularly those in Taman Bayu Damai and Punggai, to wear facemasks if exposed to thick smoke, as the Air Pollution Index (API) reading in the area has slightly risen to 125. "In light of this incident, I hope everyone will be more cautious and not conduct open burning, especially during hot weather," he said.