GEORGE TOWN: A fire broke out on a hill at Batu Gantung near here this afternoon, destroying 1.2ha of the forest.
This is the third forest fires recorded in the state over the past week.
A state Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said due to the lack of access to the area, firefighters had to hike up the hill while some rode motorcycles belonging to local residents.
“We also managed to get a four-wheel-drive vehicle belonging to the Penang Hill Fire and Rescue team to assist us.
“As soon we reached the location, the forest was already razed.
“We just used the jet shooters to put out the remaining fire,” he said.
Meanwhile, state Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the area was one of the most 'hard-to-reach' part of the hill.
“Not only is it steep, it is also narrow.” he added.