Peat fire may cause Jalan Kuantan-Pekan to closed again
Peat fire may cause Jalan Kuantan-Pekan to closed again
10 March 2014
published by www.nst.com.my
Malaysia — Sixty-two firemen were working round-the-clock to control the peat fire which have affected the visibility along Jalan Kuantan-Pekan, near Penor today.
Taman Tas fire station chief Suffian Mohd said part of the road was closed until noon yesterday to prevent the recurence of accident when the stretch was enveloped by thick smoke.
On Sunday, nine vehicles were involved in pile-up when a lorry laden with oil palm fruits crashed into several cars which were slowing down along the stretch.
Suffian said about 20 hectares of forest were affected since the fire started in the area about 1pm on Sunday.
“The traffic police should divert the motorists again if the situation worsen due to thick smoke,” he said when contacted today.
Although they managed to control the fire at noon today, Suffian said the strong winds had caused it to spread again.
Several motorists also raised concern about the situation which could cause road crashes.
Osman Ali, 25 of Kampung Penor said although the visibility level had slightly improved yesterday, motorists had to be careful while plying the road.
“We have to switch on the headlight as a precaution while driving through the thick smoke,” he said.
Hussin Ibrahim, 55 of Kampung Permatang Badak said it was very dangerous for senior driver like him to drive along the road when the visibility was reduced to less than five metres.
