KUANTAN: The operation to extinguish a fire at a 176ha oil palm plantation and forest along the Kuantan-Sungai Ular bypass in Gebeng, which began on Feb 22 has been successfully completed on Monday (March 10).

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Razam Taja Rahim said close monitoring of the location by the Gebeng Fire and Rescue Station will continue for the next three days.

"Through this monitoring, we will ensure there are no remaining embers in the peatland that could potentially ignite another fire.

"The Fire and Rescue Department would like to express its highest appreciation to the agencies involved, including the Kuantan District Office, the Public Works Department, and the Irrigation and Drainage Department.

"Also, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, the Environment Department, and other parties who have worked alongside us in carrying out the firefighting operation.

"This strong cooperation reflects the government's commitment to the sustainability of the people's lives," he said in a statement Monday evening.

The fire, which started in an oil palm plantation before spreading to the surrounding forest, caused the air pollutant index (API) reading in the Balok Baru area to reach the unhealthy category with a reading of 193 on Monday.

Involving more than 70 personnel from 10 fire and rescue stations, the fire also caught the attention of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who advised residents in the Balok Baru area to be cautious due to the air pollution.

Additionally, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad visited the site and received a briefing from the relevant agency officers on Thursday (March 6). – Bernama