PUTRAJAYA: The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is on full alert to face the potential increase in disasters arising from the El Nino phenomenon and the southwest monsoon, which are expected to affect the country’s weather conditions until early 2027.
In a statement yesterday, JBPM 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 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,” read the statement, Bernama reported.
It said a departmental preparedness directive for the 2026 dry season and peat forest fire season has been issued to guide state JBPM offices in implementing preparedness measures and contingency plans.
Under the directive, monitoring and preventive operations have been intensified through regular patrols at hotspots based on historical fire incidence data.
JBPM has also checked and evaluated important facilities like tube wells, water check dams, and watch towers to make sure they are ready for firefighting, and they are working more closely with other agencies to improve disaster prevention and readiness.
“As an additional measure, JBPM 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,” read the statement.
The department added that it has ensured that all its firefighting equipment is operational and ready for deployment, while its operational communication plans have been strengthened through the government-integrated radio network system to ensure effective coordination during emergencies.
JBPM will continue monitoring hotspot indicators and air pollution index readings through digital platforms operated by strategic partners, including the Malaysia Space Agency, 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 prudently, avoid open burning and immediately report any fires 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.”
