Johor Fire and Rescue Department is watching closely six districts that have been identified as fire hotspots during the southwest monsoon season.
Department director Siti Rohani Nadir said the hot and dry weather, which began on May 17, was expected to continue until mid-September.
“Several districts, including Muar, Pontian, Segamat, Pengerang, Pagoh and Mersing, have been identified as hotspots due to the frequent fires.
“These peat land areas have historically recorded high instances of open burning.
Siti Rohani: The department is collaborating with other agencies to address any unforeseen situations during the monsoon season.
“Besides Perak, Selangor and Sarawak, Johor has been seeing a sharp rise in the number of calls about open burning incidents,” she said.
The department, said Siti Rohani, remained on high alert to deal with open burning.
“All equipment, such as portable pumps, are regularly maintained to ensure they are in good working order,” she said.
“Additionally, the department will use the total flooding method by utilising the innovative Forest Fire GS Mark III developed by the Kluang Fire and Rescue Department to extinguish peat and forest fires.”
Siti Rohani said the Johor fire department was also ready to collaborate with other relevant agencies, including the Minerals and Geosciences Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Forestry Department and the Environment Department to address any unforeseen situations during the monsoon,” she said.
Weather and hotspot monitoring, she said, was also being carried out through the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre and Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia websites.
“The public is urged to refrain from carrying out open burning as this could lead to larger and more prolonged fires,” she said.
She added that firefighters were reminded to take extra precautions to avoid dehydration and heatstroke.
