Villagers report health problems after 3 weeks of peat fires

 

Firemen dealing with a bushfire in Bachok, Kelantan. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Residents of two villages in Bachok, Kelantan, have suffered health problems because of peat fires which have been burning in and around Kampung Beris Lalang and Kampung Beoh for the past three weeks.

They are afraid of opening their windows because of debris or dust blown into the air, said a resident, Rashidah Ab Razak, 53, of Kampung Beoh.

She said some of her relatives, including senior citizens and children, have been experiencing breathing problems since the fires started.

“Children and senior citizens can be easily affected by the prevailing condition. Some have been having flu and cold for weeks now,” she said, Bernama reported.

“Due to the current hot spell, the situation has worsened and villagers are afraid to open their windows. It is basically a safety precaution.”

Faizal Zainudin, 22, a trader from the village said villagers were turning to alternative routes instead of the normal roads although the distance covered is much further.

“Villagers who use motorcycles have no choice but to avoid the normal routes due to the extensive smell of smoke and hazy conditions. Eye irritation is also common,” he said.

Wildan Azhari of Kelantan fire and rescue said the department always monitored peat fire situations in the state when the monsoon season changes.

“We always focus on a list of high-risk fire locations. With the current hot spell and the proximity of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we have to be cautious and alert at all times,” he said.

Wildan said there have been 65 forest fires, peat soil fires and bushfires recorded in Bachok since March 3. He urged those living near high-risk locations to be extra careful and avoid open burning during this period. - FMT