Broga Hill temporarily closed to hikers
REHABILITATION and restoration efforts will be carried out in areas affected in the March 17 fire in Broga Hill.
Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) director Azhar Ahmad said the measures included replanting the damaged area.
“Funding for this will be sought from either the state or the Federal Government,” he said.
“However, the replanting programme involving the reintroduction of various tree species, will proceed only upon approval of the requested allocation,” he added.
Based on their drone survey, Azhar said the affected area was about 7ha.
“For safety reasons and to prevent future fires in the area, JPNS has issued a temporary closure notice for the hiking trail at Denai all the way to the summit of Broga Hill,” he added.
Semenyih Fire and Rescue Department chief Mohamad Darul Azreen Md Desa said that while the cause of the fire had not been determined yet, they suspected that the blaze might have been deliberately started by individuals.
He said fires could occur during hot and dry conditions, especially when there was combustible materials such as dry grass or trees.
“Sparks, possibly from lightning, can ignite these materials, leading to a fire,” said Mohamad Darul.
“While it is possible the fire occurred due to extreme hot weather, it is important to note the exact cause is still not known and it requires further investigation.
“The call was received at 7.39pm and the weather was not hot at the time.
“But it is uncertain at what time the fire actually started,” he said.
Mohamad Darul added that the area was popular with hikers.
A total of 28 firefighters from Semenyih, Ampang and Bangi were involved in the operation.
The fire on March 17 was fully extinguished the following morning.
Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin urged the public to be vigilant and refrain from activities that could pose a fire risk on Broga Hill.
“These include the irresponsible disposal of cigarette butts and open burning activities, especially near forest areas,” Jamaliah said in a statement.