KUCHING: The fire at the 9th Mile tyre factory continued to burn for the fourth consecutive day, raising serious concerns among residents over the foul rubber smell blanketing parts of the city.
SUPP Public Complaints Bureau Chief Milton Foo said many residents had complained about the unbearable odour and the possible health risks from prolonged exposure to the smoke.
“Many residents have told me that the air in Kuching is filled with a strong rubber smell that affects the environment and may cause harm if inhaled,” he said in a statement today.
Foo said after checking with the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) this afternoon, he learned that the firefighting team was short of excavator crawlers needed to speed up the operation.
“I immediately arranged for four excavators, including three EX220 models and one EX120 model, along with a professional operator, to assist the Bomba team in their firefighting efforts,” he said.
He expressed his appreciation to Dato Amos Tay and his team for their continuous support, including arranging meals and drinks for firefighters who had been battling the blaze tirelessly for four days and three nights.
“Their dedication and courage in fighting the fire, even at great personal risk, are truly admirable,” Foo said.
He also extended his deepest gratitude and respect to the firefighters from Siburan, Kota Sentosa, and Kota Samarahan stations, as well as the Auxiliary Fire Officers (PBB) involved in the operation.
By Connie Chieng