Three more forest fires in Penang

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A firefighter trying making sure the blaze is totally out at Bukit Bendera in George Town, Penang. — Bernama photo

GEORGE TOWN: After the forest fire in Penang Hill last Tuesday, three more forest areas on the island – two on Bukit Gambir and the other on Bukit FRU – caught fire yesterday.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Azmi Tamat said following the blaze in the two new areas, a team of firemen was split into three groups to put out the fires at seven hotspots.

Four of these spots were detected on Penang Hill, two on Bukit Gambir and one on Bukit FRU which was totally put out.

“About 40 members were assigned to contain the fire on Penang Hill, 15 on Bukit Gambir and 12 on Bukit FRU,” he told reporters here yesterday.

On Wednesday, the team used the Bombardier craft belonging to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to put out the blaze at nine hotspots on Penang Hill.

Azmi said the forest area affected by the fire on Penang Hill was estimated to be between 1.2 and 1.6 hectares in size.

The operation to put out the blaze using the aircraft would be conducted today.

He said the team of firemen also had to check the area around jungle trekking routes on Penang Hill from 3am, to ensure that there were no trekkers present during the fire-fighting efforts to prevent untoward incidents.

“The water bombing released by the craft is very dangerous and could cause death…so, we request the cooperation of all (hill) climbers to cease their activities until the operation is over,” he added.

He said the source of the fire was under investigation although the hot weather and windy condition helped to it.

Meanwhile, Penang State Secretary Datuk Farizan Darus said the jungle track up Penang Hill, through the Youth Park and Botany Park, had been temporarily closed until further notice.

“However, the hill railway operations will go on as usual as it is outside the fire area,” he said. — Bernama