Johor fires surge fivefold in dry spell

Siti Rohani says 3,145 open-burning incidents were recorded in the first six months.

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.