157 residents evacuated due to a peatland fire in Pengerang, Johor, have returned home after air quality normalised and relief centres closed
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 157 residents from 51 families affected by a peatland fire in Pengerang have been allowed to return home.
The Kota Tinggi District Disaster Management Committee closed both relief centres at Dewan Serbaguna Taman Bayu Damai and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Kapal today.
Committee chairman Miswan Yunus said the Air Pollution Index readings in the affected residential areas have returned to normal levels.
The centres were opened on Monday after thick smoke from the fire engulfed homes, causing breathing difficulties and reduced visibility.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Muhammad Al Mustakim Abdul Hady said the fire is now under control with large portions extinguished.
Firefighters are working to fully extinguish any remaining small fires to prevent them from spreading.
The department’s Air Unit from Subang assisted in the firefighting efforts yesterday with water bombing operations.