PETALING JAYA: A total of 83 fire hotspots are under close watch by the Fire and Rescue Department amid the hot and dry spell brought about by the southwest monsoon.
Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the identified hotspots involved fire-affected areas exceeding 25ha at each location.
Sabah tops the list of hotspots with 26, followed by Pahang (20); Sarawak (14); Johor (12); Kelantan (five); Selangor (three); Terengganu (two) and Kedah (one).
Nor Hisham said human activity was among the main contributors to forest fires globally.
“This includes the uncontrolled burning of trash, leaves or agricultural waste, unattended or poorly extinguished campfires as well as discarded cigarettes igniting dry vegetation,” he said when contacted.
Other factors, he said, include electrical faults during strong winds, arson as well as slash-and-burn practices for land clearing or agricultural purposes.
In Malaysia’s climate, he said the possibility of forest fires igniting due to natural causes was very low.
Besides forest fires, other risks posed during the hot spell were the entry of wild animals into homes or compounds to escape the heat and search for water.
“The department regularly responds to animal rescue calls, including animals such as snakes, monitor lizards or even monkeys, especially during prolonged dry spells.
“These cases are more prominent in residential areas near forests, plantations or rivers,” he said.
On top of this, Malaysia also faces the impending El Nino phenomenon which has a 67% chance of reaching strong to extremely strong levels between November this year and January 2027.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), El Nino is expected to further strengthen next month and last until early next year.
However, there is a 31% chance that El Nino remains at a moderate or weak intensity, the department said in its long-term weather outlook from June to November
MetMalaysia said the dry season is expected to peak between July and September, warning of the risk of both domestic and transboundary haze episodes especially during instances of uncontrolled open burning activities.
On a related matter, Nor Hisham said the department will have 24,053 personnel on duty during the current season.
This comprises 13,230 officers; 2,254 auxiliary officers and 8,950 volunteer officers.
He said 1,692 of the department’s assets are ready to be deployed.
“About 80% of the department’s personnel will have their leave suspended during peak risk periods,” he said.
Nor Hisham urged the public to immediately report instances of open burning to the authorities.
“Local councils, the Department of Environment and the Fire and Rescue Department all have hotlines and online platforms to lodge complaints.”
Nor Hisham added that individuals should avoid burning rubbish, agricultural waste or any other materials in the open.
“Use safer disposal methods, such as composting or waste management services. Farmers too can play a major role by adopting sustainable farming practices which avoid the need for burning,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of the public participating in awareness campaigns on the harms of open burning.
“Schools, workplaces and local organisations can all play a role,” he said.
