572 fire hotspots identified nationwide, over 3,200 cases recorded
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.
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