Peat Fire in Pengerang, Johor: A Growing Crisis

A significant peat fire has been raging in Pengerang, Johor, since January 23, 2026, expanding from an initial area of approximately 5 hectares to 99.54 hectares by January 27. The fire, located near the Taman Bayu Damai residential estate along Jalan Sungai Kapal, has prompted evacuations and raised air quality concerns across the Singapore Strait. As of January 28, firefighters have reported that about 52% of the fire has been extinguished, but ongoing dry weather and strong winds pose a risk of reignition.

Haze Threat in Southern Malaysia: Johor Peat Fire Forces Evacuations, Impacts Singapore Air QualityPengerang peat fire spreads in Johor as haze hits Singapore‘Dry and strong winds may reignite peat fire’: Fire-fighting in haze-hit Pengerang enters sixth dayPeat fire smoke from Johor has not reached S'pore: M'sia authoritiesJohor firefighters battle spreading peat fire as haze hits SingaporeJohor peat fire spreads to 99.54 hectares, NEA says S'pore may experience haze

The fire has forced over 100 residents to evacuate their homes, with temporary relief centers established to accommodate those affected. Ling Tian Soon, Johor's health and environment executive councillor, confirmed that two centers were set up, sheltering 86 residents in Taman Bayu Damai and another 28 at a government school. Reports indicate that five individuals were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation, and a firefighter sustained burns during firefighting efforts.

Haze Threat in Southern Malaysia: Johor Peat Fire Forces Evacuations, Impacts Singapore Air Quality

Residents have expressed their distress over the situation. Angel Tan, a local resident, shared her concerns about her children's health amid the thick smoke, stating, “I really hope God will bring down the rain and wash the fire out.” Another resident, Muhammad Aizat Mengom, described how smoke engulfed his home for two days, causing his children to cough.

Pengerang peat fire spreads in Johor as haze hits Singapore

Firefighters have been utilizing various strategies to combat the blaze, including aerial water bombing operations requested from Malaysia's Subang Airbase. Ground efforts have involved digging canals to isolate burning zones and deploying sprinkler systems to flood affected areas. However, challenges persist due to the terrain and land ownership issues, complicating firefighting operations.

‘Dry and strong winds may reignite peat fire’: Fire-fighting in haze-hit Pengerang enters sixth day

Assistant Director of Operations at the Johor Fire and Rescue Department, Superintendent Muhammad Tarmizi Md Jaafar, noted that while parts of the fire are under control, full flooding of the peat soil remains difficult without aerial support. He emphasized the importance of coordinating with landowners to avoid potential disputes over land damage caused by firefighting efforts.

Johor firefighters battle spreading peat fire as haze hits Singapore

The smoke from the peat fire has affected air quality in Singapore, leading the National Environment Agency (NEA) to monitor the situation closely. On January 24, NEA reported that a detected hot spot and smoke plume from Johor caused air quality in eastern Singapore to reach unhealthy levels. As of January 27, Singapore's 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index ranged from 39 to 61, classified as good to moderate, but NEA warned that prevailing winds could worsen conditions.

Haze Threat in Southern Malaysia: Johor Peat Fire Forces Evacuations, Impacts Singapore Air Quality‘Dry and strong winds may reignite peat fire’: Fire-fighting in haze-hit Pengerang enters sixth dayPengerang peat fire spreads in Johor as haze hits SingaporeJohor peat fire spreads to 99.54 hectares, NEA says S'pore may experience hazePeat fire smoke from Johor has not reached S'pore: M'sia authoritiesJohor firefighters battle spreading peat fire as haze hits Singapore

Critics have raised concerns about the environmental and public health risks posed by prolonged dry weather and land fires in the region. The situation highlights the need for improved fire management strategies and better coordination among local authorities to mitigate the impact of such disasters on communities and air quality.

‘Dry and strong winds may reignite peat fire’: Fire-fighting in haze-hit Pengerang enters sixth day

Firefighting efforts will continue as authorities remain vigilant against the potential for the fire to reignite. The anticipated return of wet weather may provide some relief, but the situation remains precarious as firefighters work to fully extinguish the blaze and protect nearby communities.

‘Dry and strong winds may reignite peat fire’: Fire-fighting in haze-hit Pengerang enters sixth day