ABOUT 80% of the affected areas in the recent fire at the Pulau Burung landfill have been covered with laterite soil to prevent the fire from spreading.
It was reported earlier that the situation has been successfully brought under control, with no new fires recorded since the outbreak on July 21.
Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) enforcement assistant Suhaimi Abu Bakar, who is also the site supervisor of the Pulau Burung landfill, said this is part of their containment strategy.
“We expect 100% of the affected areas to be covered with laterite soil by today.
“A total of 200 lorries are involved in this operation, each carrying around 30 tonnes of laterite soil.
“Based on our observation, no new fires have been detected, including some high-risk areas near the affected regions.
“Nevertheless, we will continue with our close monitoring to avoid future incidents,” Suhaimi told Buletin Mutiara at the landfill today.
Suhaimi added that MBSP also has stationed a jumbo-size water tanker lorry on site, ready in case of another landfill fire.
Earlier, Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the fire prompted the deployment of 117 personnel from various departments.
This included 18 firefighters from the Nibong Tebal, Batu Kawan, Bertam, and Bandar Perda fire stations, along with 57 volunteer firefighters from nearby areas.
“Additionally, 42 personnel from MBSP also joined the operation,” he said.
H’ng also mentioned that the likely cause of the fire was the recent prolonged hot weather reacting with the landfill’s waste material.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar