KUALA TERENGGANU: The current hot and dry spell engulfing almost the entire country has resulted in 594 fires of various proportions in Terengganu from Jan 1 until April 16.
Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department director Hassan 'As'ari Omar said from the 594 cases reported, 421 involved farms, forest, secondary forest and bushes.
Hassan said the main cause of the fires was due to the dry spell that started in March and which continued until now.
"Other cases reported involved buildings, houses, vehicles and appliances. But the number remains small. Statistics showed that in the month of March alone there were 250 cases of fire," he told reporters after launching Ops Raya 2023 at the Kuala Terengganu Fire and Rescue Station, here Monday (April 17).
Hassan added that only 20% of the 806 firefighters and officers in the state would be given leave during the festive season while the rest would be on duty round-the-clock and carry out patrolling duties, especially at 10 locations identified as high-risk, fire-prone areas.
The locations include Kampung Telaga Papan, Lembah Bidong, Saujana and Kg Merang in Setiu; Kg Gong Badak, Batu Rakit and Tok Jembal in Kuala Nerus; Kg Jambu Bongkok and Kg Kelulut in Marang and Rantau Abang in Dungun. - Bernama
