SHAH ALAM, March 12 — State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin has urged the public to avoid open burning after a fire razed the hillside at Puncak Jalil, near Seri Kembangan.
This is particularly important during hot and dry weather, when fires can spread rapidly and escalate into larger, more dangerous blazes.
"Irresponsible actions like this not only affect the environment but can also endanger public health and the safety of the local community.
"The public is also encouraged to immediately report any open burning activities or fire incidents to the authorities so that prompt action can be taken," she said in a statement today.
Yesterday evening, a fire was reported at the Puncak Jalil hillside.
According to Seri Kembangan Fire and Rescue Station head Nik Mohd Dzarrin Ghifari Azmy, his team received an emergency call about the incident around 4.12pm yesterday, with the fire crew arriving at the scene at 4.21pm.
It took nearly 12 hours to extinguish the fire, which affected about 37 hectares. No casualties or property damage were reported.
The firefighting operation involved several fire stations, including Seri Kembangan, Cyberjaya, Puchong, Jalan Penchala, and Subang Jaya, and was supported by the Royal Malaysia Police, the Civil Defence Force, and the Subang Jaya City Council.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Jamaliah expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the department’s personnel who worked tirelessly to control and extinguish the fire.
"The commitment and dedication of the personnel on the ground are greatly valued in ensuring the situation was promptly controlled, preventing the fire from spreading.
"The state government will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to monitor the situation and ensure preventive measures are enhanced," she said, adding that the affected area is outside the Permanent Forest Reserve.
