Sungai kapal: The operation to extinguish a peatland fire in Sungai Kapal, Taman Bayu Damai, has reached 50 percent completion as of 7 pm today. The fire, ongoing since last Friday, has affected a total of 99.55 hectares.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Johor State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported that approximately 49.8 hectares have been brought under control and extinguished. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. The department noted that the fire spread rapidly due to dry and windy weather conditions, resulting in thick smoke drifting into the Taman Bayu Damai residential area.

The department also mentioned in a Facebook post that a Drone Unit from Zone 2 has been deployed to assist in assessing the rate of spread and terrain conditions. The operation faces significant challenges due to limited water sources and difficult access routes to the fire site. An excavator, rented from the Pengerang Municipal Council, is being used to create fire breaks to prevent further spread. The extinguishing operation is being conducted in stages, involving two main sectors.

A total of 26 JBPM personnel are actively involved in the operation, supported by a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), a Hilux, a hydrosub, and a three-tonne lorry. There is also cooperation from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Civil Defence Force (APM), Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Department of Environment (DOE).

Johor JBPM Deputy Director, Assistant Fire Commissioner Muhammad Al Mustakim Abdul Hady, who is overseeing the operation, affirmed that efforts would continue until the fire is fully extinguished.