Over 75 fires recorded in schools nationwide this year, says Bomba
Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said that 60% of the cases were caused by electrical-related factors.
"Whether due to wiring, the use of electrical equipment or 'resistance' to electricity supply, these three elements contributed to approximately 60% of the causes.
"We did not categorise fires as happening in classrooms, laboratories, stores or others but we instead categorised them as the entire school area," he told reporters after the 'National Firefighter Drill 2025' closing ceremony at the parade ground, Fire and Rescue Academy (Eastern Region) in Wakaf Tapai near here on Tuesday (July 29).
In another development, Nor Hisham said the fire department had begun moving heavy machinery to where four wildfires are burning in Sarawak.
He said the heavy machinery was to "cut" the fire line to control rapidly spreading flames.
"If hot weather continues, fire will descend into peatland areas so we have to prepare ourselves to carry out total flooding," he said.
He said the fire department also received assistance from various parties to control the fires, such as large companies that own land in the affected areas.
A department spokesperson earlier said wildfires were still reported in four locations in the state, involving a total area of about 88ha.
Nor Hisham advised the public nationwide not to conduct any open burning, including burning garbage, especially in this hot season to prevent fires from occurring.
"Although the number of wildfire cases this year has dropped by 50% compared to 2024, we are worried of fires occurring in peatland areas because they will spread very quickly," he said. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Borneo Post
3,293 flood-affected households in Penampang receive aid
Flood victims receiving aid at KDCA on Wednesday. – Bernama photo PENAMPANG (Aug 6): A total of 3,293 heads of household (KIR) affected by the floods in Penampang district between June 30 and July last year have received compassionate aid (Bantuan Wang Ihsan – BWI), disbursed through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said that the distribution of aid amounting to over RM3 million is being carried out in stages starting Wednesday until Friday, in collaboration with the Penampang District Council (MPPg), held at the KDCA Hall, Penampang. 'This aid can never fully replace the losses, trauma and exhaustion experienced, but it reflects the commitment of various parties to assist residents affected by the floods. 'It is the result of collaborative efforts across agencies, from leaders to civil servants in numerous ministries, agencies, and departments, to ensure the funds are properly allocated and delivered to the affected households,' he said. He said this when met by reporters after officiating the aid handover ceremony at KDCA Hall on Wednesday. Ewon said several initiatives have been implemented and are ongoing to strengthen disaster management and reduce the impact of flooding in the Penampang district. 'These include the installation of early warning systems in the form of sirens in several frequently affected villages such as Kampung Kodundungan, Nambazan, Penampang Proper, Putaton, Kolopis and Sugud. 'This measure aims to provide earlier alerts to residents to prepare for any eventuality,' he said. He added that 21 buildings, including schools, community halls and churches in high-risk areas, are being proposed for gazettement as temporary evacuation centres. He also stressed the importance of the ongoing flood mitigation projects under Package 1 and Package 3, and stated that follow-up projects are also being planned to support these efforts. At the same time, the Drainage and Irrigation Department, together with MPPg, continues to carry out river and drainage maintenance works as a long-term measure to reduce the risk of recurring floods. 'I hope that with all these efforts, including support from all relevant stakeholders, we can prevent severe flood disasters like those that have occurred in the past,' he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Govt ramps up heatwave response
SHAH ALAM: The government has intensified emergency measures to address extreme heat and the prolonged dry weather, activating over 3,300 tube wells nationwide and conducting cloud seeding over drought-hit areas. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Fire and Rescue Department had been instructed to clean and operate the tube wells, especially in high-risk, fire-prone zones, as the Southwest Monsoon persists with lower rainfall and soaring temperatures. "These wells were prepared earlier and have now been readied for operations," Zahid said after overseeing a cloud-seeding operation at the Subang Air Force Base yesterday. "I've directed the fire department to carry out cleaning and fire prevention operations, particularly in areas prone to forest and peat fires when temperatures rise." Zahid, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, said fast operational response was being coordinated through the fire department and district-level disaster management committees. The monsoon season is expected to last until mid-October and authorities remain on high alert. Zahid said the government had successfully carried out a cloud-seeding mission over the critically low Bukit Merah Dam in Gunung Semanggol, Perak, where heavy rainfall was reported just 45 minutes after the operation. "The dam's water level had fallen to a critical 12.21 per cent, or 19.8 feet (6 metres), by July 31 due to prolonged dry conditions." He added that the dam was important for padi irrigation, domestic supply, fisheries and flood mitigation. He said the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had identified suitable cloud formations inland from the Strait of Malacca, prompting the deployment of a Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft. The aircraft released 6,000 litres of sodium chloride solution into the clouds, resulting in the desired rainfall. "This is a scientifically guided operation. With God's will, it brought the outcome we hoped for. We expect it will help ease pressure on local agriculture and water supply." Zahid also voiced concern over rising temperatures nationwide, highlighting that several areas, including Bandar Baharu in Kedah, Selama in Perak, Temerloh in Pahang, Limbang in Sarawak, and Tenom and Pitas in Sabah had recorded extreme heat for three consecutive days. MetMalaysia and the Drainage and Irrigation Department were monitoring other reservoir zones and potential hotspots for further intervention, he said. "Our focus is on areas critical for domestic, agricultural and industrial water needs. We will not wait for formal requests. Action will be taken when ground monitoring shows water levels have dropped below 30 per cent." Zahid said the Health Ministry would issue public advisories to limit heat exposure, especially for schoolchildren.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Over 3,300 tube wells activated in fire-prone areas amid dry season
SHAH ALAM: The government has activated more than 3,300 tube wells in fire-prone areas as a precautionary measure amid extreme heat and prolonged dry weather during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Fire and Rescue Department has been instructed to clean and operate the wells where necessary, particularly in high-risk zones. "These wells were prepared earlier and have now been made operational. "I've directed the Fire and Rescue Department to carry out cleaning and fire prevention efforts, especially in areas prone to forest and peat fires during periods of high temperatures," he said at a press conference after attending a cloud seeding operation at the Subang Air Force Base. Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said swift operational responses have been coordinated through the department and local-level disaster management committees. The Southwest Monsoon, which has brought lower rainfall and higher temperatures, is expected to continue until mid-October, with authorities remaining on alert throughout the period. "Based on advice from Nadma and MetMalaysia, we are ensuring preparedness, particularly in areas experiencing extreme heat," Zahid said. He added that the Health Ministry will issue public health advisories to help minimise exposure to the heatwave. "Clear guidance should be provided to the public, especially regarding limiting outdoor activities. "This is particularly important for schoolchildren," he said, adding that coordination has been made with district education offices to reschedule outdoor school activities.
