KUANTAN: Pahang recorded 1,003 open burning cases involving an area of about 2,721.88 hectares from Jan 1 to Aug 31 this year.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Mohd Razam Taja Rahim said the figure represented an increase of about 52 per cent compared with the 658 cases recorded during the same period last year, involving an area of 1,162.83 hectares.
"Of the total, 619 cases involved bushes, the highest among the categories, indicating that areas with dry vegetation and overgrown shrubs require special attention," he said in a statement on Monday (Sept 7).
He said that based on monitoring through the Forest Fire Information System (ForFIS) from last Saturday to Monday, a total of 42 hotspots were detected in several districts in Pahang.
Based on the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia)'s Long Range Weather Outlook, the country is currently in the final phase of the Southwest Monsoon and is expected to enter the monsoon transition phase in October 2026.
"MetMalaysia also said that the El Nino phenomenon is currently occurring and is forecast to continue until April 2027, with a 97% probability, potentially affecting weather conditions and rainfall distribution in the country," he said.
In addition, Mohd Razam advised the public against open burning and to avoid any activities that could potentially cause fires, particularly during hot and dry weather.
"I would like to remind the public not to carry out open burning, especially of rubbish, dry leaves, overgrown shrubs or garden waste. In dry conditions, even a small fire can spread and become a larger fire within a short period.
He also reminded the public that negligence, such as discarding cigarette butts, leaving embers unattended and using fire sources near areas with dry vegetation, could also trigger fires. - Bernama
