CYBERJAYA: The Fire and Rescue Department is stepping up its preparedness for a possible heatwave and forest fires.
The move comes amid forecasts of an El Nino phenomenon that could bring drier weather conditions than last year.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad (pic) said all state fire and rescue directors had been instructed to strengthen their respective preparations.
The instructions aim to ensure a faster and more effective response should there be an increase in forest and peatland fire incidents.
He said a special meeting with state fire and rescue directors was also held about two weeks ago to coordinate preparations for the expected dry season this year.
"We are expecting weather conditions that will be slightly drier than last year, and as such, preparations this year are being carried out more thoroughly and systematically," he told reporters on Saturday (May 30).
He was speaking after attending a Qurban Kasih programme with Housing and Local Government Ministry personnel, the Fire and Rescue Department and the Sepang parliamentary constituency.
"Last year, we completed the procurement of 70 Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT) vehicles, which are widely used in forest fire operations, as well as an additional 80 portable pumps to enhance the department's operational readiness," he added.
However, Nor Hisham said current monitoring and readings of the El Nino phenomenon in the Pacific region indicate that conditions this year are not expected to be overly critical.
"Based on the forecasts, projections and readings we have received, the situation is not too critical," he said.
"Looking at current weather patterns, although there have been several very hot days, rainfall is still occurring and conditions remain under control," he added.
He said the department is also placing emphasis on implementing National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) Directive No. 1.
The directive ensures more effective disaster management should large-scale forest fires occur.
According to him, one of the most critical elements in dealing with forest fires is the ability to mobilise assets and assistance quickly.
"We need to ensure that high-capacity pumps can be deployed immediately wherever there is access to a water source," he said.
Meanwhile, Nor Hisham said enforcement efforts must be intensified to prevent open burning activities that could trigger forest fires during hot and dry weather.
He said the department had conveyed the matter to Nadma so that continuous patrols and enforcement could be carried out by the police, the Department of Environment and district authorities.
"These preventive measures are important to reduce the risk of forest fires caused by human activities," he said.
Nor Hisham added that the department would continue monitoring weather developments from time to time.
He noted that they will focus on areas and states identified as being at risk based on information and warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
