PETALING JAYA: A discarded cigarette butt, a patch of dry grass by the highway or an overloaded electrical socket could all spark a fire as Malaysia heads into hotter and drier conditions.
According to Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad (pic), the low humidity, high temperatures and strong winds during these periods significantly increase fire hazard risks.
“Dry and overgrown grass along highway reserves, empty lots and road shoulders can be ignited instantly through heat from vehicles or dropped cigarette butts, with fires rapidly spreading in windy conditions.
“Overgrown dry bushes on unmaintained or vacant residential plots also act as fuel, raising the risk of wildfires close to housing developments and private structures,” he said.
Nor Hisham said that uncontrolled fires originating from smallholders clearing farmland or burning agricultural waste also pose fire risks.
Accumulations of domestic waste, dry timber and industrial refuse across both legal landfills or illegal dumpsites can easily ignite and smoulder deep underground, releasing toxic smoke and becoming extremely difficult to extinguish, he said.
“Dry conditions also accelerate the risk of sparks igniting combustible industrial waste, old tyres, scrap metal yards and construction debris.
“At the same time, the increased and continuous use of air conditioners, fans and cooling units could lead to electrical overloads, faulty wiring or appliance overheating,” he said.
He stressed that the public must strictly refrain from burning household waste, dry leaves, old timber or clearing land through open burning.
Open burning, Nor Hisham said, is illegal and offenders face severe fines and imprisonment under the Environmental Quality Act.
He advised property and landowners to ensure bushes and tall grass are cleared around residential borders to mitigate fire risks.
“Any sorts of wastes, including garbage, garden trimmings or construction timber, should be disposed of at designated landfill sites rather than piling or burning them,” he said.
Nor Hisham said smokers should fully extinguish their cigarette butts in ashtrays before disposal and to never throw them out of vehicle windows or near flammable items.
“Campers should also make sure campfires or outdoor cooking fires are thoroughly extinguished before leaving recreational campsites,” he said.
He urged the public to avoid overloading electrical sockets with continuous high-wattage cooling appliances alongside ensuring domestic wiring and safety breakers are in good condition.
“Immediately report any sightings of smoke, open burning or small fires to the 999 emergency line or your nearest Fire and Rescue station,” he said.
