KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department has reminded the public to refrain from open burning to prevent fires that could harm the environment and damage property.
Its director, Nor Mahathir Muhamad, said a total of 1,420 open-burning cases were recorded statewide from Jan 1 until Saturday (April 25).
Kuala Nerus recorded the highest number of cases at 252, followed by Kemaman (236), Dungun (205), Marang (204), Besut (179), Kuala Terengganu (168), Setiu (144) and Hulu Terengganu (32).
Of the total, 1,121 cases involved bush and grass fires, followed by forest fires (139), plantations (16) and other open burning incidents (144).
"Statistics show an increasing trend, reflecting a high fire risk and the urgent need for preventive action to avoid more serious and uncontrolled incidents," he said in a statement on Sunday.
Nor Mahathir said the department has stepped up awareness efforts, including public announcements at mosques and surau across the state.
He added that open burning is an offence under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. - Bernama
