January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
KOTA TINGGI, March 25 — A bush fire spanning about 150 hectares along the Punggai Bypass Highway towards Sebana Cove is now 80% contained as of 1pm today, with roughly 30 hectares still actively burning.
Punggai Fire and Rescue Station chief Senior Fire Officer II Ezam Mistorerrodin said the blaze spread तेजी due to hot, dry conditions and strong winds, which have made firefighting efforts more difficult.
He explained that crews are using direct attack methods, deploying hose lines stretching up to 1,200 feet, along with relay pumping systems and high-powered pumps. Water is being sourced from nearby reservoirs to maintain a steady supply.
More than 30 firefighters from the Punggai and Sungai Rengit stations are involved in the operation, supported by personnel from Johor JBPM headquarters and the Zone 3 Drone Unit for aerial monitoring.
Other agencies assisting include the police (PDRM), Department of Environment, Johor Plantation Foundation, KEJORA, and the Pengerang Municipal Council.
In a separate incident, another bush fire was reported yesterday near the Pengerang People’s Housing Project (PPR), raising concerns among residents due to thick smoke affecting visibility and air quality.
This second fire covers around 10 hectares, with 4.7 hectares — or about 50% — already extinguished. Ezam said conditions remain tough as the fire continues to burn dry vegetation, producing dense smoke.
“The thick smoke has slowed movement and firefighting efforts, but operations are ongoing to stop the flames from spreading to nearby homes,” he added. — Bernama
