KOTA BARU: The Fire and Rescue Department has recorded a sharp increase in forest, bush and plantation fires nationwide from January to March 31, 2026, totalling 12,938 cases.
Its deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman said this exceeds the 9,941 cases recorded from January to December in 2025.
He said the rise in open burning incidents is driven by the current hot and dry weather.
"Bush fires accounted for the majority with 11,147 cases, followed by forest fires (1,047) and plantation or farm fires (744)," he told reporters after the 2025 Excellent Service Awards ceremony and presentation of 30-year service certificates for Kelantan Bomba here on Tuesday (April 7).
Ahmad Izram said bush fires made up more than 80% of total cases, making them the main concern.
He said the increase is also linked to uncontrolled open burning and limited monitoring in high-risk areas.
"For forest fires, Selangor recorded the highest number with 337 cases, followed by Kelantan (123), Penang (121), Sabah (113) and Kedah (102) while for bush fires, Kedah recorded the highest number with 2,524 cases, followed by Johor (1,886), Melaka (1,010), Kelantan (937) and Perak (759).
"For plantation or farm fires, Johor recorded the highest number with 359 cases, followed by Selangor (165), Perak (54), Kedah (29) and Kelantan (25)," he said.
He said measures proposed include stricter enforcement against open burning, increased patrols in high-risk areas, greater public awareness efforts, and the use of technology such as drones and early warning systems.
"Cooperation among relevant agencies must also be strengthened to ensure more effective prevention," he added. – Bernama
