572 fire hotspots identified nationwide, over 3,200 cases recorded
SHAH ALAM: The Fire and Rescue Department has identified 572 open fire hotspots nationwide based on incidents recorded over the past three years.
Its director Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said these locations in Selangor, Johor, Perak, Kedah and Sabah have been frequently affected by open fires.
"We have directed all fire stations to remain on high alert, particularly in these hotspot areas.
"All logistics are being prepared to ensure swift action, especially in the early stages of any outbreak.
"At the same time, we are working closely with the District and Land Office, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, and other relevant agencies to coordinate firefighting efforts and asset deployment," he said after the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Medal Award Ceremony.
At the event, 277 officers and personnel from Selangor received certificates of appreciation, comprising 102 recipients of the Fire and Rescue Service Medal, 116 recipients of the Excellent Service Medal, 29 recipients of the 30 Years of Service Award, and 12 recipients of the Commendable Service Award.
Nor Hisham said open burning incidents involved fires affecting rubbish, shrubs, forests and peatland.
"As of May 15, there have been 3,261 open burning cases nationwide, comprising 2,917 cases of bush and grass fires, 229 forest fires, and 115 orchard and plantation fires."
Meanwhile, commenting on the latest developments regarding the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Nor Hisham said the authorities are still awaiting the results of the hardness test on specimens sent to the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia.
"Officially, we have not yet received information from the Occupational Safety and Health Department.
"Once we have the results, we will combine them with findings from their department and ours to determine the next course of action," he said.
A total of 130 units of fire department quarters will be built in Kota Kemuning and Shah Alam, with the tender process by the Public Works Department scheduled for March 2026, he said.
"The construction of these quarters is expected to resolve the housing issues faced by officers and personnel in the Sepang and Petaling districts.
"As of now, there are 430 existing fire department quarters in Selangor, with 66 applications on the waiting list since 2023," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Bomba braces for wind, fire, and rain as monsoon season hits Malaysia
GEORGE TOWN, June 2 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) will prioritise monitoring three key weather phenomena, namely heat, heavy rain and strong winds, all associated with natural disasters across the country during the Southwest Monsoon season, which lasts until September. Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department is preparing for prolonged dry spells causing high temperatures, intermittent heavy afternoon downpours, and strong winds sometimes accompanied by squalls or tropical storms. Forecasts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) indicate no extreme El Niño this year, with temperatures expected to remain below average. Nevertheless, he stressed that these weather events remain closely tied to disaster risks. 'We remain ready to respond not only to these three weather phenomena but also to any other emergencies that may arise during the monsoon period,' he said. Speaking to reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2025 JBPM 10-a-side Rugby Championship in George Town, Nor Hisham added that the department is on alert for open-fire incidents during dry spells, as well as for rescues related to flash floods and storm-driven winds. He also highlighted a significant decrease in open-fire reports so far this year, with nearly 3,000 emergency calls up to April, compared to over 9,000 during the same period last year. However, the department's current concern lies with heavy afternoon rains, particularly during school holidays when many people visit rivers, waterfalls and beaches. 'The public is urged to stay vigilant and follow weather warnings closely. If heavy rain is forecast, leave picnic areas immediately and avoid swimming or water activities,' Nor Hisham advised. Earlier, MetMalaysia had forecast that the Southwest Monsoon would begin on May 10 and would continue through September, bringing steady winds from the southwest. While humidity is generally low during this season and rainfall is reduced in many areas, heavy sho
Free Malaysia Today
14 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Dry season ‘won't be so hot' with no El Nino this year
The fire and rescue department said it was making preparations to meet the prolonged dry spells expected, afternoon downpours, and strong winds sometimes accompanied by squalls. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Temperatures are expected to remain below average during the coming dry season this year according to weather forecasts, the fire and rescue department said today. The department said in a statement that meteorological forecasts had indicated there would be no extreme El Niño weather phenomenon this year. However, the department would remain on the alert for three key weather events – heat, heavy rain and strong winds – during the southwest monsoon season, which lasts until September, Bernama reported. Fire and rescue director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad, speaking in George Town, said the department was making preparations to meet the prolonged dry spells expected, which would cause high temperatures, intermittent heavy afternoon downpours, and strong winds sometimes accompanied by squalls or tropical storms. Nor Hisham said the department is on alert for open-fire incidents during dry spells, as well as for rescues related to flash floods and storm-driven winds. There had been a significant decrease in open-fire reports so far this year, with nearly 3,000 emergency calls up to April, compared to over 9,000 during the same period last year. However, the department's current concern lies with heavy afternoon rains, particularly during school holidays when many people visit rivers, waterfalls and beaches. 'Members of the public should remain vigilant and follow weather warnings closely. If heavy rain is forecast, leave picnic areas immediately and avoid swimming or engaging in water activities,' Nor Hisham advised. MetMalaysia has forecast that the southwest monsoon would last from early May until September, bringing steady winds from the southwest. Humidity will be generally low during this season and rainfall is reduced in many areas. However, heavy showers, strong winds, and thunder squalls remain possible, especially in western Peninsular Malaysia, northern Sarawak and western Sabah, often in the early mornings due to squall lines.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
572 fire hotspots identified nationwide, over 3,200 cases recorded
SHAH ALAM: The Fire and Rescue Department has identified 572 open fire hotspots nationwide based on incidents recorded over the past three years. Its director Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said these locations in Selangor, Johor, Perak, Kedah and Sabah have been frequently affected by open fires. "We have directed all fire stations to remain on high alert, particularly in these hotspot areas. "All logistics are being prepared to ensure swift action, especially in the early stages of any outbreak. "At the same time, we are working closely with the District and Land Office, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, and other relevant agencies to coordinate firefighting efforts and asset deployment," he said after the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Medal Award Ceremony. At the event, 277 officers and personnel from Selangor received certificates of appreciation, comprising 102 recipients of the Fire and Rescue Service Medal, 116 recipients of the Excellent Service Medal, 29 recipients of the 30 Years of Service Award, and 12 recipients of the Commendable Service Award. Nor Hisham said open burning incidents involved fires affecting rubbish, shrubs, forests and peatland. "As of May 15, there have been 3,261 open burning cases nationwide, comprising 2,917 cases of bush and grass fires, 229 forest fires, and 115 orchard and plantation fires." Meanwhile, commenting on the latest developments regarding the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Nor Hisham said the authorities are still awaiting the results of the hardness test on specimens sent to the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia. "Officially, we have not yet received information from the Occupational Safety and Health Department. "Once we have the results, we will combine them with findings from their department and ours to determine the next course of action," he said. A total of 130 units of fire department quarters will be built in Kota Kemuning and Shah Alam, with the tender process by the Public Works Department scheduled for March 2026, he said. "The construction of these quarters is expected to resolve the housing issues faced by officers and personnel in the Sepang and Petaling districts. "As of now, there are 430 existing fire department quarters in Selangor, with 66 applications on the waiting list since 2023," he said.
