Fight to put out Pengerang forest blaze enters 4th day

2026-03-24 - 04:31

The situation could worsen due to the ongoing hot, dry spell and strong winds in the area, said a fire and rescue department spokesman. (JBPM pic) PETALING JAYA: Firefighters have entered the fourth day of battling a forest fire along the Punggai Bypass Highway headed towards Sebana Cove in Pengerang, Johor. Punggai fire and rescue department operations commander Alvinni Jackson said the blaze started on Saturday, affecting 150 hectares of forest, and that only 42% of the fire had been put out so far. He said the situation could worsen due to the ongoing hot, dry spell and strong winds in the area, Sinar Harian reported. Police have closed off the road to vehicles to ensure public safety while firefighters continue working to contain the blaze.