Two Small Explosions Detected During Muar Peatland Firefighting Operation - Police

MUAR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Police detected two small explosions while fighting the peatland fire, which entered its ninth day, at the Johor State Farmers’ Organisation (PPNJ) at Batu 13/14 in Air Hitam here.

Muar police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the second blast was detected in sector D yesterday, while the first one was detected on Tuesday (Feb 3). Both are believed to have been a result of the underground blaze.

He said the authorities are still trying to identify the actual cause of both incidents, with police investigations ongoing, despite limited access to the area due to the thick smoke and the loose and soft structure of the peat soil.

"Taking into consideration the personnel and the public's safety, Sector D has been fully closed by the police. As such, firefighting operations will continue using the water bombing method.

"The public is reminded not to go near the incident area and to always comply with instructions from the authorities. The police will continue to disseminate the latest information from time to time,” he said in a statement today.

-- BERNAMA