![[UPDATED] Pulau Burung landfill ablaze again](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/The_view_of_Pulau_Burung_dump_site_caught_on_fire_this_morning._Pix_courtesy_of_Penang_fire_and_rescue_department.jpg)
NIBONG TEBAL – The landfill in Pulau Burung caught fire at about 10pm last night, and the blaze was brought under control at midnight and put out at 3am.
A total of 19 firefighters from various stations and volunteer teams in the state were deployed.
The Fire and Rescue Department is investigating the cause of the blaze and Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) was expected to take over the management of the landfill next month after a slew of fires earlier this year.
The department added that the affected site is 18.5sqm in size and no casualties were reported.
The council has extended the current site operator’s contract, which expires on April 5, to May 20.
MBSP will take over the waste treatment after that date until an alternative contractor is found.
Penang Island generates 900 tonnes of waste daily, all of which is transported by trucks and barges to the landfill in Pulau Burung.
Meanwhile, Seberang Prai generates 1,600 tonnes of waste daily.
Some 11ha of the 33ha Pulau Burung landfill was hit by a massive fire on January 12. It lasted for almost three weeks until it was fully extinguished on January 30.
Several families around the area were evacuated for their safety, while 10 schools in the vicinity were ordered to close as the air quality in the area was at unhealthy levels.
It was declared a level-one disaster area based on the National Security Council’s directive after the fire polluted surrounding areas and posed a risk to health. – The Vibes, May 24, 2022
