150% increase in open burning cases in Melaka

Abu Obaidat (front row, second left) meeting some of the female firefighters from his department at the monthly gathering.

MELAKA: There have been 402 cases of open burning recorded in the state since the beginning of the year, representing more than a 150% increase compared with the corresponding period last year.

Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director Abu Obaidat Mohamad said the current dry weather had contributed to the open burning, which included peat and forest fires.