NIBONG TEBAL: The relief centre (PPS) at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Saujana Indah, which was opened to accommodate residents of Ladang Byram following the fire at the Pulau Burung landfill, was closed on Wednesday (Feb 9) after all the affected residents returned home.

       The Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) District Disaster Committee (SPS), in a statement on Wednesday, said based on the latest observation and technical comments from the Penang Department of Environment (DOE), the air quality in areas surrounding Ladang Byram Estate area had improved and was recovering.

       "Apart from that, operation of the SPS District Disaster Operations Control Center (PKOB) has also been terminated today.

       "However, the Pulau Burung landfill management concession company and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) will continue with the Phase 1 and 2 closing work until completed under periodical monitoring by the Penang DOE," read the statement.

       About 400 residents from 90 families living near the landfill, which was located on Jalan Byram Road, had to be evacuated to a safe location as the airspace in their residential area was filled with dangerous smoke.

       A total of 44 people from 10 families from Ladang Byram were accommodated at the PPS at SK Saujana Indah since Jan 16 while the rest of the residents moved in temporarily to the homes of their family members. - Bernama