PROLONGED hot and dry weather has fuelled a fivefold surge in bush and peatland fires across Johor.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Siti Rohani Nadir said the department recorded 3,145 open burning incidents involving 2,375ha in the first six months of this year, compared with about 700 cases during the corresponding period last year.
The sharp increase, she said, was mainly driven by bush and peatland fires recorded between January and March.
“The prolonged hot weather, lack of rainfall and strong winds contributed to fires involving bushes, plantations and other open areas.
“Human activities, particularly open burning for land clearing after harvesting, have also contributed to the increase,” she told reporters after the department’s monthly assembly at the Johor Fire and Rescue Department headquarters in Johor Baru.
Siti Rohani said Johor currently has 18 identified fire hotspots, with Muar, Kota Tinggi and Machap among the areas requiring close monitoring.
She said firefighters have been instructed to patrol hotspot areas regularly for early detection and prevention of fires.
Siti Rohani also urged the public to refrain from carrying out open burning, especially during the current dry spell, and to immediately alert the authorities if they spot fires or individuals deliberately setting open areas ablaze.
All 34 fire stations across Johor backed by about 1,300 personnel, she said, remained on standby throughout the year to respond to emergencies, including bush fires and floods.
On improving operational readiness, Siti Rohani said the department received a RM1.1mil allocation under Budget 2026 to carry out the second phase of upgrading works at fire stations and staff quarters across Johor.
The allocation would improve the firefighters’ welfare, she said, adding that the department was also receiving additional fire engines and utility vehicles in stages to meet operational requirements across the state.
Earlier this year, the Johor Fire and Rescue Department received a RM900,000 allocation to upgrade firefighters’ quarters across Johor.
Siti Rohani added that efforts were also ongoing to fill manpower shortages in Johor, although recruitment would depend on approvals and appointments made at the national level.
