By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, March 19 — The Selangor Forestry Department has taken proactive steps to close the Bukit Broga hiking trail and forest reserve off from the public following a forest fire on Sunday (March 17) evening.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said barriers and closure notices have been installed at the entrance to Bukit Broga until further official notice.
“This is due to the fact the area is popular among hikers. The department will also provide updates on the reserve’s entry via its official website and Facebook page. Periodic monitoring will also be conducted to ensure the area’s safety,” she said in a statement today.
Jamaliah added that the fire’s cause is still under investigation by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), which has urged members of the public to be vigilant and refrain from activities that may pose fire risks.
“This includes irresponsible cigarette disposal and open burning activities, especially near forested areas,” she said.
Recounting the incident, Jamaliah said 64 personnel from JBPM, the police, the Civil Defence Force (APM), the Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Emergency Medical Aid Organisation (TEMS), and the Hulu Langat District and Land Office were on-site to undertake immediate actions for firefighting operations.
“JBPM arrived at the scene 15 minutes after receiving the fire report call at 7.39pm on March 17, after which the flames were successfully contained and fully extinguished by 2.30am, with operations concluded by 3.30am on March 18, involving 28 firefighters and rescuers.
“The firefighting encompassed an estimated five acres of area and took approximately eight hours. Several factors contributed to the length, including hot weather conditions and the rapid spread of fire to several spots due to wind gusts around the hill,” she said.
Limited access to the fire scene was also a hindrance, requiring firefighters to climb to the peak, which took between 30 and 45 minutes.
“Due to the lack of nearby water sources, firefighting efforts were conducted using fire beater techniques. The priority throughout the operation was to prevent the spread of fire and protect the environmental ecosystem.
“Following the incident, the Selangor Disaster Management Unit conducted comprehensive aerial and ground monitoring at the site on the morning of March 18.
“By the time the 11am report came in, no smoke plumes were detected in the area. Additionally, no wildlife injuries or casualties were reported,” Jamaliah said.
The councillor thanked all parties and agencies involved for taking the appropriate immediate actions to control and extinguish the forest fire.
