Sarawak forest fires are escalating across nine districts, with a 16-hectare blaze near Sibu among the largest active fires.
SIBU: Forest fires are intensifying across Sarawak, with satellite hotspots now detected across nine districts spanning the length of the state as firefighters battle blazes in sweltering, dry conditions with limited road access and scarce water supplies.
The latest ground reports from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) confirm active wildfire cases surging in Miri-Kuala Baram, Tatau, and Bintulu districts in northern Sarawak; Sibu and Mukah districts in the central region; and Betong, Sri Aman, and Kuching districts in the south.
The most severe blaze reported so far is in Sibu district, where a fire is consuming approximately 16 hectares — equivalent to around 39 acres — of bushland near the Ngu Chung Beng Driving Institute area on the outskirts of Sibu town.
“So far, 16 hectares of bushland are estimated to be burning in forested land near the Ngu Chung Beng Driving Institute area. Bomba Sibu has deployed at least 50 firefighters to the site and we are seeking the assistance of multiple agencies,” the Sibu Bomba said in its ground report.
In Tatau district, a separate wildfire is burning across eight hectares — approximately 20 acres — of forested land in the Kuala Tatau region. As of noon, firefighters were still actively battling the blaze.
Across all sites, Bomba described conditions as extremely challenging. Fires are burning deep inside terrain with no road access, water sources are difficult to locate, and the combination of high temperatures and prolonged dry weather is causing flames to spread rapidly.
“The firefighters are struggling to fight the flames as the fires are deep inside areas where there are no roads.
“Some areas are very deep and far away from the main road.
“Water sources are also hard to find in several locations, and the flames are spreading fast,” Bomba stated.
Fire-fighting teams have been deployed across all affected districts since the start of the week.
The cause of the wildfires remains unclear, with investigators yet to determine whether the blazes were triggered by deliberate open burning or by the onset of the dry season.
Northern Sarawak, particularly Miri district, has long been among the worst-affected areas for seasonal fires and haze — a recurring crisis that shows no sign of easing this year.