Mystery fires on Penang’s hills

 

Firefighters at the forest fire area in Tanjung Bungah. (Bomba pic)

GEORGE TOWN: Several “bizarre” forest fires that burned on a 7ha stretch of the hills overlooking Chee Seng Garden in Tanjung Bungah yesterday have left residents puzzled.

The residents fear the forest fires may be the result of foul play, and are asking the state government to investigate.

Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association chair Meenakshi Raman said the forests are located close to water catchment areas.

“It is most bizarre for fires to naturally occur in these areas,” she said.

Three areas on fire in Tanjung Bungah. (WhatsApp pic)

She called on the relevant agencies to determine the cause and to take urgent measures to prevent such fires in future.

“We certainly hope this is not the work of ‘invisible hands’ that have other motives for clearing the forests,” she said.

The Penang Green Council said the hillside fires were put out by 11 volunteer firefighters. - FMT