MUKAH, 9 May 2025 — A large fire that broke out earlier this morning destroyed about 12 hectares of rumbia (sago palm) plantation land in the Sebakong Sago Lamp area near Mukah, Sarawak. The blaze affected an overall area of nearly 50 hectares, causing concern among local smallholders and plantation operators.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the fire was reported at 9.54am. A team of firefighters from the Mukah Fire and Rescue Station was immediately dispatched to the scene.
“The fire engine took around 26 minutes to reach the location, which is about 30 kilometres away,” said a spokesperson from JBPM’s Operations Centre (PGO).
Firefighters used a floating water pump and four hose streams, tapping into a nearby open water source to help douse the flames. By 11.00am, the fire was successfully brought under control, although full extinguishment efforts were still in progress at the time of reporting.
No injuries have been reported so far, and investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing. The department suspects the dry weather and open land may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
This incident raises concerns about the increasing number of plantation fires in rural areas, especially in Sarawak where sago cultivation is a major part of the local economy. Farmers and plantation owners are advised to stay alert and avoid open burning practices, especially during dry spells.
The Fire Department continues to monitor the area to ensure the fire does not reignite.
