SEPANG, March 4 (Bernama) -- The fire on about 800 square metres of peatland, near KM27.4 of the Elite Highway, here, since six days ago may have been caused by agricultural activities.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Fire and Rescue Station chief, Yahya Mohd Sham said it was difficult to put out the fire due to the peat soil condition and water supply constraints.

He said two fire engines were used in the operation which began at 2.30 pm on Wednesday but the fire was still burning from below the ground.

"We believe that the fire was started deliberately by certain parties for agricultural purposes," he said when contacted today.

Yahya said they were getting help from the Sepang Municipal Council, District Officer's Office, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and the state government by opening a 24-hour operations centre in the area.

"Efforts to put out the fire continue by building canals in the area using four TNB bulldozers," he said.

Meanwhile, Sepang police chief ACP Abdul Aziz Ali said the police had not received any report claiming that the fire was caused by arson.

-- BERNAMA