A major fire at a landfill in Kulim Hi-Tech has prompted a large-scale emergency response, with authorities monitoring air quality as the blaze continues to spread.
KULIM: A landfill in Padang Cina, Kulim Hi-Tech, caught fire on Tuesday evening.
The Kulim Fire and Rescue Station received an emergency call at 6.30 pm.
Senior Fire Officer II Mohd Faizal Sulaiman said a team of 12 firefighters was immediately deployed to the scene.
The operation is being assisted by private companies.
“The operation is ongoing, and no casualties have been reported,” Mohd Faizal said in a statement.
He estimated the landfill covers 1.42 hectares, with the fire still raging and spreading.
Additional logistics, equipment, and machinery are being mobilised to control the blaze.
The fire is currently affecting Cells 1 and 2 of the landfill site.
The Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) is conducting aerial monitoring using drones.
It has also installed gas measuring devices to monitor air quality around the site.
Kedah DOE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the focus is on assessing the impact on nearby residential areas and schools.
Gas meters are being used to detect other pollutants.
“The Air Pollution Index at the nearest monitoring station in Kulim Hi-Tech recorded a reading of 60, which falls under the moderate category,” Sharifah Zakiah said.
Continuous monitoring will ensure compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
An investigation will be carried out under Section 29A(2) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
The public has been advised to stay away from the area.