DUNGUN: The mangrove forest fire in Tok Kah, near here, is getting worse as the fire has spread and destroyed an area of about 16 hectares.
It is deemed to be the worst in the state’s history, and has been burning since Jan 26
Hot weather and windy conditions have slowed down the operation to extinguish the fire, making residents fear it will spread to their homes.
A check in Dungun found the area around Rantau Abang, about 13km from the fire, engulfed in smoke.
Suri Dollah, 72, said most did not know about the fire and were assumed bad air conditions were caused by haze.
Meanwhile, Terengganu Zone 2 Fire and Rescue Assistant Superintendent Zailani Abdullah said about 60 firemen from the Kemaman, Dungun, Marang and Kuala Terengganu stations are involved in fire-fighting operations.
“The fire-fighters are facing extreme difficulty in fighting the blaze owing to the lack of water and limited access roads,” he said.
The fire was believed to have started for land clearing by irresponsible individuals and firemen believe the fire will be fully brought under control in a week’s time. – Bernama
