PETALING JAYA: A fire at a 300ha oil palm plantation in Rompin, Pahang, has yet to be fully put out two weeks after firefighters began operations.
Pahang fire and rescue department assistant director of operations Salahuddin Isa said the fire was nearly extinguished with just 0.2ha still burning.
Firefighters began battling the flames on March 23, Berita Harian reported.
“Right now, over 99% of the fire has been put out. We expect the remaining flames to be fully extinguished today, two weeks after the firefighting operation began,” said Salahuddin.
He said challenges included the wide area affected by the fire, the scorching weather, and a lack of water sources.
The department had resorted to water-bombing runs to put out the fire, which contributed to the haze in Rompin with the air pollutant index reaching unhealthy levels.