Mukah: Aerial water bombing using a helicopter has successfully slowed the spread of a bushfire covering approximately 105 hectares in Mukah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mukah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Nicholas Belulin stated that the firefighting operation was executed by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) using an Mi-171 helicopter equipped with an underslung water bombing system. "A total of four water bombings were carried out at 3.30 pm, releasing 6,360 litres of water over the affected area," he explained in a statement early this morning.

Nicholas noted that this swift action helped slow the fire's movement and prevented it from spreading to nearby areas. However, the operation was halted after 42 minutes due to technical issues with the aircraft's system. "Inspection found that several components need to be replaced, and the spare parts will be delivered by the maintenance team via road tonight," he mentioned.

He further added that the operation yesterday was conducted in hazy conditions, with visibility at around eight kilometres and winds blowing at speeds of 10 to 15 knots. The bushfire in Mukah was first detected on July 24, and firefighting efforts have been ongoing in stages since then.

The Fire and Rescue Department has been conducting aerial monitoring and creating fire breaks to prevent the blaze from spreading further into oil palm plantations and nearby settlements. Water bombing was introduced as an additional measure after conventional ground-based methods proved challenging due to the vast area and limited accessibility. Operations are expected to resume today, pending confirmation that the aircraft is safe and operational.