Pulau Burung landfill blaze finally put out after 20 days
NIBONG TEBAL: After 20 days of burning, the Pulau Burung landfill fire has finally been put out.
South Seberang Prai District Disaster Management Committee said the Fire and Rescue Department have ended their fire extinguishing operation at 11ha of the affected area.
“Based on the latest situation the workflow of the disaster management will be continued and standardized by the disaster operation control centre (PKOB) to ensure that the existing resources are being fully optimised,” he said in a statement said on Wednesday (Feb 1).
He emphasized that the success of the operation was due to the cooperation of various agencies from the federal and state governments.
It said the workflow of the other on-field agencies will continue until the management of the disaster is complete.
Meanwhile, the state Department of Environment will continue to monitor the air quality in the areas until they are satisfied with a stable air quality reading.
The Air Pollutant Index in South Seberang Prai on Wed (Feb 2) morning is down by 50%, at 73 compared with a blistering 145 on Jan 29.
The residents who are living in the South Seberang Prai district are advised to continue to be alert with their health.
“If symptoms like breathing difficulties and not feeling well they are advised to immediately get treatment at nearby clinics and hospitals,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican thanked the state Fire and Rescue Department and other agencies that have been working hard in the firefighting operation at Pulau Burung landfill.
“Thank you to the Penang #WiraMerah and various federal and state agencies in the operation
“The integrated cooperation has resulted in the success of the mission,” he said in his Facebook post on Tuesday (Feb 1).
It was reported that more than 11ha of the landfill was burned in a fire that broke out on Jan 12.
The Pulau Burung landfill was declared a level one disaster area after the fire there polluted the surrounding area and posed a risk to health.