SANDAKAN: The firefighters in Sandakan faced several challenges while trying to extinguish the forest fire in Bukit Sim-Sim, which had been burning for five days on Monday.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Chief Severinus Sainkui said that the hilly terrain and lack of access to fire engine made the firefighting process difficult.
He said they had to manually carry water-filled pumps up the hill and use the “firebreak” method to stop the fire from spreading.
Additionally, illegal wiring in the area further complicated their efforts, he added.
Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong visited the site to stay updated on the progress.
Bukit Sim-Sim is popular among climbers, especially after the launch of the Elopura Recreation Park in 2011.
The area had previously experienced a fire incident in 2016, believed to be linked to the El Nino phenomenon.
