PENANG, 11 March 2014 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Security Department personnel, Students Affairs and Development Division (HEPP) officers-in-charge, particularly the hostel management, USM Volunteer Force, and University officials are continually monitoring the USM Recreation Park area for bush fires that broke out last Sunday afternoon.

Although the fire was not intense, the smoke produced was carried by the wind to the vicinity of USM hostels and reduced visibility to less than 5 km.

Speaking to the media after launching USM International Women's Day celebration this morning, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman said that the current hot and dry weather caused dry leaves to catch fire easily. Although it is currently under control, efforts are continuously made ​​to extinguish the fire. The Fire and Rescue team has been working since last Sunday afternoon along Jalan Bukit Gambir, near the Penang Department of Education office buildings and SMK Bukit Jambul.

It is estimated that the area involved is approximately 1 hectare. The hill on which USM Recreation Park (Taman Rekreasi) is located is a forest reserve with an orchard and a campground for activities by USM uniformed units. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained.

“USM is grateful to the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Malaysian Police Force that have brought their mobile units to the area while the Fire and Rescue team has not only been stationed in the vicinity of Jalan Ketitir but also in USM campus,” added Omar.

Continuous Monitoring

According to the Vice-Chancellor, USM is mobilising all its personnel including security officers and volunteers as well as officers to conduct on-going monitoring primarily from high buildings around Kompleks Desasiswa Restu, Tekun and Saujana.

2,500 Masks Distributed

Omar clarified that efforts were made ​​to help students who experienced health problems from smoke inhalation as a result of the fire; asthmatic patients were cautioned to remain vigilant.

“Last night we distributed 2,500 face masks to students to cover their nose and mouth,” added Omar.

The Vice-Chancellor visited the affected area yesterday afternoon to see for himself the efforts to extinguish fires carried out by the Fire and Rescue Team.

“I am confident that the situation is under control and that the fire will be extinguished soon, however, USM priority is that the safety and health of its students are not affected by the bush fires,” said Omar.

The Vice-Chancellor also advised the students to be more careful, to report immediately to the University by contacting the USM Security Department or USM Pusat Sejahtera if there are any related problems but otherwise they can continue their daily activities as usual. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Mohamad Abdullah/Photo: Mohd. Fairus Md.Isa