KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has recorded 1,315 cases of open burning since January this year.
Its director, Nor Mahathir Muhamad, said Kuala Nerus recorded the highest number of cases with 228, followed by Kemaman (220), Dungun (194), Marang (190), Besut (168), Kuala Terengganu (154), Setiu (132) and Hulu Terengganu (29).
“The transition from the north-east monsoon to the south-west monsoon, which began last month, has led to hotter, drier and windier weather conditions, which significantly increases the risk of open fires,” he said yesterday.
Bushland fires top the list at 1,049 cases, followed by orchard and forest fires.
As of yesterday, eight areas across six districts were still burning: Kuala Nerus, Setiu, Kemaman, Kuala Terengganu, Besut and Dungun.
Most of them were bush and forest fires.
In light of this, Nor Mahathir advised the public not to carry out any form of open burning, even for land clearing purposes, as fires can spread rapidly under current hot weather conditions.
“Open burning is a serious offence under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024. Offenders face a minimum fine of RM25,000, up to a maximum of RM1mil, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
“Under Section 29B of the same Act, property owners or occupants can also be held liable if a fire occurs on their premises,” he said, Bernama reported.
He appealed to the public to immediately halt open burning and work together to protect the community and the environment.
