JOHOR BARU: In just the first eight months of this year, nationwide open fires have almost surpassed the combined total recorded over the past two years, says Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.
The Fire and Rescue Department director-general attributed the sharp increase to the ongoing dry spell, continued open burning and other preventable burning activities involving rubbish disposal, vegetation clearing and fires in bush areas.
He said 20,927 cases involving forest, bush and wild grass fires were recorded nationwide as of August this year.
“In 2025, we had 8,147 cases and 14,821 cases in 2024. Now, we have an average of 87 such fires daily. The number of incidents this year remains significantly high,” he said in an interview.
Nor Hisham said that of the 183 identified open burning hotspots nationwide, about 63 were considered at risk of developing into large-scale fires covering more than 25ha each.
He said while cloud seeding could help fire fighting operations, it does not guarantee rain would fall directing over areas affected by figures, nor would it be sufficient to extinguish peat fires deep below ground.
Nor Hisham said cloud seeding is not a replacement for ground operations, although positive results have been recorded in Bakun and Murum, Sarawak.
For large forest and peat fires, the department still relies on measures such as flooding or saturating peat areas, creating firebreaks and, when necessary, providing aerial firefighting support.
Asked about public cooperation in helping to control such fires, Nor Hisham said although there has been good cooperation, incidents of open burning and other preventable burning activities are still occurring.
He urged the public to avoid any form of open burning and to be the department’s eyes and ears by reporting such cases.
Asked about the challenges firefighters face in tackling forest, bush and peatland fires, Nor Hisham said they differ from those involving conventional fires.
“Peat fires can burn deep beneath the surface, making them difficult to detect and fully extinguish.
“Even when the flames appear to be under control, underground hotspots can remain active and cause the fire to reignite.”
The other challenges, he added, are limited access to fire sites and a lack of water sources.
Nor Hisham cited recent operations in Pengerang, Johor, as an example, which were complicated by hot weather, strong winds, soft ground, narrow access routes and limited water supply.
The department battled the fires for more than a week, covering 11ha, before finally extinguishing them at 7.40am yesterday.
“Putting out peat fires is physically demanding and can expose firefighters to prolonged heat, dense smoke, and fine particulate matter,” he said, adding that working hours also have to be extended.
As such, he said their health was being closely monitored, with crews rotated to prevent excessive fatigue and heat-related illnesses.
Meanwhile, in Sabah, the dry weather is fuelling concerns over open burning, with 1,551 cases recorded since March.
State Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Pisar Aziz said the highest number of cases was recorded in the second quarter (2Q), with 655 incidents (42.2%) from April to June, followed by 470 cases (30.3%) in 3Q and 426 cases (27.5%) in 1Q.
Most of the incidents involved bush fires, with 1,012 cases (65.2%), while forest fires accounted for 381 cases (24.6%), Bernama reported.
Mohd Pisar said open burning during dry weather poses serious risks as fires could spread quickly and become difficult to control.
“The safety of lives, property and the environment is a shared responsibility.
“Everyone must avoid open burning, extinguish any sources of fire immediately and report incidents to the authorities,” he added.
