PUTRAJAYA: The Fire and Rescue Department is on full alert to face the potential increase in disaster risks arising from the El Nino phenomenon and the Southwest Monsoon, which are expected to influence the country's weather conditions until early 2027.
In a statement Monday (June 15), the department said it has mobilised comprehensive operational, logistical and inter-agency coordination preparations to ensure its response capabilities remain at an optimum level in safeguarding lives and property.
"All personnel and assets are currently at the highest level of readiness to face any risk of open burning, including forest and peatland fires, which typically increase during prolonged hot and dry weather conditions," the statement said.
It said a Departmental Preparedness Directive for the 2026 Dry Season and Peat Forest Fire Season has been issued to guide state Fire and Rescue offices in implementing preparedness measures and contingency plans.
Under the directive, monitoring and preventive operations have been intensified through regular patrols at hotspot areas identified based on historical fire incident data.
The department has also identified and assessed the functionality of critical infrastructure such as tube wells, water check dams and watch towers to ensure they are ready to support firefighting operations should incidents occur, as well as strengthening cooperation with several agencies to enhance disaster prevention and preparedness.
"As an additional measure, the Fire and Rescue Department is prepared to activate the Haze and Open Burning Operations Room should emergency calls rise above normal levels, enabling operational responses to be coordinated more effectively," the statement said.
The department ensured that all its firefighting equipment are operational and ready for deployment, while its operational communication plans had been strengthened through the Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN) system to ensure effective coordination during emergencies.
It will continue monitoring hotspot indicators and Air Pollution Index (API) readings through digital platforms operated by strategic partners, including the Malaysia Space Agency (MySA), the Environment Department, the myCuaca application and the Fire Danger Rating System managed by the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
The department urged the public to use water resources prudently, avoid open burning activities and immediately report any fire incidents through the 999 emergency line to enable early intervention before situations become more serious.
"Preparedness in facing weather changes and disasters does not solely depend on the actions of rescue agencies, but requires the cooperation of all levels of society to ensure community safety and environmental sustainability continue to be preserved," it added. - Bernama
