KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 2,917 open burning cases involving 328ha of land have been reported since the start of the year, a 300% increase compared with the same period last year.
The Fire and Rescue Department said as of yesterday, fires in 287ha have been put out, while firefighting operations were ongoing at the remaining areas.
“This represents a significant spike from previous years; 2025 saw only 729 cases (11.19ha), while 2024 recorded 66 cases (55ha),” it said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
The department said bushfires were identified as the biggest contributor to the total number of cases, recording 2,187 cases (75%) during that period, compared with 440 cases (60%) last year and 53 cases (80%) in 2024.
In addition, fire outbreaks at illegal waste disposal sites contributed to the nationwide increase in cases, with 431 cases recorded over the same period, compared with 244 in 2025 and just nine in 2024.
It said the significant increase can be linked to the current hot, dry and windy weather conditions, which are expected to continue in most areas of the peninsula until Saturday, according to Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) data.
In BALING, an illegal dumpsite in Kampung Besah, Mukim Tawar, has been ablaze since Tuesday.
Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said a team has been dispatched.
“The heaps of waste, including plastic, at the site are believed to have been dumped by irresponsible parties. The investigation is ongoing,” she said, urging those with information to contact the Kedah DOE at 04-733 2832 or the Kulim branch at 04-403 7675.
In JOHOR BARU, 18 vehicles were damaged after a bush fire spread to a parking area next to a mosque in Taman Bukit Mewah.
The Johor Fire and Rescue Department dispatched a team from the Larkin station to the site 12km away upon receiving the call at 1.32pm on Tuesday.
Operation commander Nakish Nekmat said the blaze involved an estimated 0.37ha of bushland, and had spread to several parked vehicles.
“The team carried out firefighting operations using two fire beaters, one hose reel, and three 400-foot hose lines, with water sourced from the fire engine pump and a nearby hydrant.”
Nakish added the fire was brought under control at 2.37pm and the operation ended at 5.20pm after the area was confirmed safe.
Among the vehicles that suffered severe damage were a Hyundai Atoz, Perodua Kancil, Naza Ria, Proton Perdana, Proton Savvy, a van, Perodua Kelisa, and Proton Saga FLX.
Several others sustained about 5% damage, while five unidentified vehicles were also destroyed, some up to 80%.
