KUANTAN: Some 40ha of forest near the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS), near here, has been burning since Thursday.
Gebeng Fire and Rescue Department chief Syed A. Jamaludin Syed Mohamed said the fire was detected at 4pm by a patrol team.
He said only four hectares of the affected area had been doused.
“We believe the fire started in the forest.
“But, we do not know much yet, because we have difficulties getting in there.
“Currently, firefighting operations are being carried out from the coconut plantation located next to the forest.”
Syed Jamaludin said it took firefighters almost 40 minutes to go through the plantation to reach the edge of the burning forest.
In addition to the absence of an access road, firemen also face limited water sources and wind movements that make it difficult to contain the fire.
They are being assisted by Environment Department personnel and 10 plantation workers. The fire is expected to be completely put out within a week, he added.