Malaysia: Leopard cat found killed in Kuala Baram forest fire

Stephen Then The Star 3 Sep 19;

MIRI: Firefighters dousing the remains of forests ravaged by wildfires in the Kuala Baram district in northern Sarawak have uncovered dead animals, including a leopard cat.

Miri Fire and Rescue Department said Bomba firefighters and voluntary firefighters from land developer Naim Cendera Sdn Bhd were dousing burning ambers near the Industrial Training Institute and Hamidah Orphanage, when they found the dead animals.

Miri fire chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said the discovery was made on Tuesday morning (Sept 3).

He said he had informed the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).

"The feedback I got from the SFC is that the dead wildlife is possibly a leopard cat.

"It's such a pity," Supt Law said in his latest updates on the forest fires' aftermath.

"Firefighters are combing the burnt areas to snuff out burning amber that are still causing smog," he added.

Malaysian Nature Society Miri branch also expressed sadness that many species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds were destroyed by the wild fires.

The latest Kuala Baram forest fires started on Aug 1 and lasted until Aug 26 before they were finally doused.

However, smoke from the underground peat continues to cause air pollution to this day.

The smog are often blown into Miri city some 20kms away, especially at night.