JOHOR BARU: There have been twice the number of bush and forest fires this month with almost 100 reported daily across the country, says Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Edwin Galan Teruki (pic).
He said firemen have been busy responding to these cases, adding that there was an average of only 40 daily cases recorded in March.
He said most such operations last month were carried out in Kedah with 509 cases, Selangor (240), Terengganu (231) and Kelantan (189 cases).
“These figures also include the burning of rubbish and slash-and-burn activities at farms around the country,” he said in an interview.
Edwin said the biggest peat soil fire covered an area of about 12ha in Bachok, Kelantan, which has been going on for about a week.
“We have mobilised almost 50 firemen, and the fire is expected to take some time to be extinguished,” he said.
There were 99 hotspots detected on April 16 – 52 in Sabah and Sarawak, and 47 in the peninsula.
“Rain in some of the states helped extinguish some fires and improve the air quality in the area,” he added.
He also appealed to the public to stop all open burning.
In anticipation of the dry season, he said, the department had frozen leave for 80% of its personnel until the end of the month.
On Hari Raya operations, Edwin said the department has already stationed firemen in 14 accident hotspots nationwide until April 29.
“We are also providing ambulance services with our helicopters known as Emergency Medical Air Rescue Services,” he said, adding the department currently had nine helicopters.
He advised those leaving home to make sure all their electrical items were switched off to ensure no short circuits occurred that may lead to fires.
