Malaysian pineapple farmers suffer losses due to peat fire

​A peat fire in Kampung Cenderawasih, a village located in the Kuantan district of Pahang, Malaysia, has burned 16.2 hectares of pineapple farms, causing losses exceeding RM150,000 (about $33,900). Strong winds have made it difficult for 30 firefighters to contain the blaze, which has been burning for about a week.​

A local farmer reported that 6,000 pineapple plants on his farm were lost, with damages estimated at RM19,000 (approximately $4,300). Another farmer also suffered losses, with 2,000 plants destroyed, amounting to RM13,000 (around $2,940).​

The ongoing hot and dry conditions have intensified the fire, preventing farmers from harvesting their crops. Authorities have deployed two excavators to dig trenches and prevent the fire from spreading further.​

Meanwhile, firefighters are also battling another peat fire in Palma Valley, with the total affected area reaching 94 hectares.

source: nst.com.my

photo: bernama.com