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SANDAKAN: A six-acre bushfire broke out along Jalan Sungai Kayu on Tuesday evening, prompting a swift response from the Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department.

A witness who spotted the blaze immediately alerted the fire station, and a team was dispatched to the scene, located 12km away.

Sandakan Fire Chief Jimmy Lagung said the team received the call at 7.25pm and arrived at the site by 7.38pm.

Firefighters battled the flames using onboard water tanks, portable pumps and fire beaters, and brought the situation under control by 8.10pm.

He said strong winds and limited vehicle access due to thick vegetation posed challenges, and reminded the public to refrain from open burning, which may result in a fine of up to RM2,000 or prosecution under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.