By Nadiah Zamlus
KUALA LANGAT, March 2 — About 34 hectares of Kuala Langat Selatan permanent forest reserve were believed to have been set on fire as a result of open burning activities.
State executive councillor on environment Hee Loy Sian said the fire has spread to cover 0.45 per cent of the 7,416 hectares of total forest area.
According to Loy Sian, the fire had destroyed various species of plants such as Mahang, Sendayan and also crops planted by farmers.
“Initially, the State Forestry Department detected hotspots at the forest reserve on January 27 due to open burning activities.
“Then, on February 22, seven more hotspots were detected. As of today, there are now 16 hot spots detected from the forest fire,” he said after visiting the location of the fire this morning.
Commenting further, Hee said a total of 130 firefighters are now on-site to put out the fire which is expected to be put out within six weeks.
“Among the agencies involved are the State Forestry Department, Fire and Rescue Department, the disaster management unit, Kuala Langat Municipal Council, Kuala Langat District and Land Office, as well as Selangor Minerals and Geoscience Department,” he added.
