PUBLISHED ONAugust 25, 2026 12:55 PMUPDATEDSeptember 01, 2026 3:17 AMBYSean LerA bushfire along the Punggai-Sebana Cove bypass road in Johor's Kota Tinggi, which was first reported on Monday (Aug 24) morning, has since spread to affect a 51.4-hectare area as at Tuesday.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said in an update on Tuesday afternoon that firefighters have put out about 42 per cent of the fire.
“We continue to work against challenges such as high temperatures and burning embers concealed in the peat soil to put out the flames,” JBPM said.
In an earlier update, operations commander Baharuddin Idris highlighted that firefighters are facing strong winds.
He said that firefighters were using the direct attack method while waiting for two large amphibious excavators to create firebreaks in peat and forest areas.
This method (direct attack) entails applying water directly to the base of the flames from the wildfire's perimeter.
JBPM said that no injuries have been reported so far.
On March 21, the Punggai Sebana Cove bypass road area was also affected by a wildfire affecting a 150-hectare area.
The fire, though just north of Singapore, is unlikely to affect the Republic due to the prevailing south or south-easterly winds.
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