Land clearing through open burning, while sometimes done with good intentions, can create a challenge for the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM). JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad expressed concern that such fires, once they spiral out of control, divert resources and personnel that could otherwise be used for structural fires in urban areas.
Hisham stressed that while the practice of burning to maintain cleanliness in certain areas may seem harmless, it can lead to extensive efforts from the firefighting department, creating a gap in addressing other fire emergencies. He emphasized the importance of detering indiscriminate open burning, especially in BRIS soil areas, where the risk of fires is high.
According to reports, peat fires are less common in Terengganu, with exceptions near Kemaman and the border with Pahang. However, fires in BRIS areas pose a significant threat due to the number of locations involved. Hisham called for community cooperation to prevent such incidents and reduce the impact of the dry season expected to last until March.
The JBPM director-general highlighted the department’s focus on monitoring over 605 locations susceptible to open-area fires, including peat areas, illegal dumpsites, and waste disposal sites under local authority supervision.
Notably, Terengganu witnessed a surge in open burning cases last year, with 1,008 incidents reported compared to 384 cases in 2022 and 658 cases in 2021. This upward trend signals a pressing need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to curb fire-related incidents.
In conclusion, Hisham urged the public to refrain from engaging in open burning practices, emphasizing the collective responsibility in safeguarding against potential fire hazards. By staying vigilant and proactive, communities can significantly reduce the risk of fires in open areas during the dry season.
