12 bush fires reported in Sarawak, says Fire Dept

SIBU: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department received 12 reports on bush fire involving more than 14 hectares at numerous locations throughout the state as the weather continues to be warm and dry today.

Contacted via WhatsApp, its operation assistant director Farhan Sufyan Borhan said most of the cases involved spontaneous combustion.

In Kuching, bush fires were reported at Jalan Kumpang Lorong 3, Batu Lintang; Jalan Matang Batu 5, Petra Jaya; Kampung Stass in Bau and at two locations in Jalan Dato Mohamad Musa, Kota Samarahan.

In Sibu, bush fires were reported at Lorong Kiew Mang, Pulau Li Hua and Old Oya Road.

Other incidents reported were at Similajau National Park and Jalan Sap in Tatau, Bintulu and another at Kampung Penat in Mukah.
He advised members of the public to be extra careful when carrying out open burning for agriculture purposes.

"However, no open burning is allowed on peat soil under the provision of the Environmental Quality Act," said Farhan.

About 80ha of forest was affected by fire which broke out on Friday near the Malaysia-Brunei border. – Bernama