Latest news with #SitiRohani
The Star
03-08-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Fire and Rescue Dept: 42 fire hotspots identified across 10 districts in Johor
Siti Rohani says Mersing recorded the highest number of hotspots followed by Muar and Kota Tinggi. THE hot and dry weather during this year's southwest monsoon in Johor will not be too extreme as there has been no significant influence from the El Nino or La Nina phenomena, says Johor Fire and Rescue Department. Its director Siti Rohani Nadir said peak season – between July and September – with prolonged dry weather, potentially increased the risk of forest and bush fires. 'Rainfall levels may dip slightly in August and September. 'The weather will be hotter and drier, with less rainfall compared to the previous northeast monsoon season.' She said 261 cases of open burning were recorded since the start of the southwest monsoon between May 10 and July 14, with most cases involving bush and rubbish fires. 'Of the 261 cases, 255 occurred in non-peat soil areas, while six involved peatland fires. 'The highest number of incidents were bush fires at 155 cases, followed by rubbish fires (76), plantation or farm fires (18) and woodpile fires (six),' added Siti Rohani. Peatland fires were more challenging to extinguish, she said, as embers remained underground for long periods and could take up to seven times longer to put out than regular fires. 'Major contributing factors include prolonged hot and dry weather and uncontrolled open-burning activities. 'However, the number of emergency calls we received from May to June this year increased to 108 cases, compared to 87 in the same period last year,' she added. Siti Rohani said 42 wildfire hotspots have been identified across 10 districts in Johor. 'Mersing recorded the highest number with eight hotspots, including Jalan Gunung Arong, Felda Tenggaroh 3 and 4, and Kampung Air Papan Tengah. 'This was followed by seven hotspots in Muar, five in Kota Tinggi and three in Batu Pahat. 'Pontian, Tangkak, Pengerang in Kota Tinggi, and Segamat also require close monitoring,' she added. Siti Rohani said the department was on full alert with 1,325 firemen and 34 fire stations operating 24 hours a day. 'We also have 28 volunteer firefighting teams comprising 576 members, 35 fire engines, 61 water pumps and an additional 17 newly deployed portable pumps for high-risk areas. 'We ensure all equipment is well-maintained, tested and fully operational,' she said. Siti Rohani added that frequent patrols would be carried out at identified hotspots as a preventive measure to safeguard the environment and local communities. 'Prolonged heat not only impacts health and the environment, but also raises the risk of open burning and haze.' She also advised the public not to carry out open burning of rubbish, vegetation or forest areas. 'The current hot and dry weather could cause fires to spread quickly, while reduced river water sources could hamper firefighting efforts. 'I also call on those responsible for managing waste collection or disposal centres to ensure no individuals take shortcuts by setting fire to dispose of their rubbish,' she said. Siti Rohani urged the public to report any fire to the fire department immediately.
Malay Mail
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Fire Dept warns open burning during monsoon could spark haze, fires in Johor
JOHOR BARU, July 9 — The peak of the South-west Monsoon, expected between July and September, could lead to localised and cross-border haze if open burning activities are not kept in check. Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Siti Rohani Nadir said while this year's monsoon is not expected to be extreme, due to the El Nino Southern Oscillation entering a neutral phase, the prolonged dry spell could still pose serious health risks, water supply shortages, forest and bush fires, as well as disruptions to the agricultural sector. 'The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has also advised the public to be alert to health risks, such as dehydration and heatstroke. 'That's why it's important to limit outdoor activities during midday, wear appropriate clothing and stay hydrated throughout the day,' she said in a recent interview. She also advised the public to stay updated on weather forecasts and take preventive measures to minimise the impact of heat and potential fires throughout the period. Siti Rohani added that from the start of the South-west Monsoon in May until early June, Johor recorded 108 open burning cases, 103 of which involved non-peatland areas. She said the combination of hot, dry weather and uncontrolled open burning was the main cause behind these incidents. 'Monitoring data shows that bushfires on non-peatland accounted for 54.36 per cent of reported cases, followed by garbage fires (29.11 per cent), farm or orchard fires (9.98 per cent), and wood or timber waste fires (1.89 per cent). 'In comparison, only five peatland fire cases were reported, mostly caused by garbage burning. These fires are harder to put out because the soil can hold heat and embers for a long time,' she said. She urged the public to avoid open burning, warning that such fires are difficult to control, pose serious health risks and degrade air quality. She also called on the public to report any such incidents to the authorities immediately. — Bernama
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Southwest monsoon risks haze from open burning in Johor
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has warned that uncontrolled open burning during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon could trigger haze, affecting both local and cross-border air quality. The peak of the dry season, expected between July and September, heightens risks of forest fires, water shortages, and health hazards. JBPM director Siti Rohani Nadir stated that while this year's monsoon is not extreme due to El Niño's neutral phase, prolonged dry conditions remain a concern. 'The Malaysian Meteorological Department has advised the public to stay alert to health risks like dehydration and heatstroke,' she said. She recommended limiting outdoor activities during midday, wearing appropriate clothing, and staying hydrated. From May to early June, Johor recorded 108 open burning cases, with 103 involving non-peatland areas. Bushfires made up 54.36 percent of incidents, followed by garbage fires (29.11 percent), farm fires (9.98 percent), and timber waste fires (1.89 percent). Only five peatland fires were reported, but these pose greater challenges due to prolonged smoldering. Siti Rohani urged the public to avoid open burning, emphasizing its dangers to health and air quality. She also encouraged immediate reporting of fire incidents to authorities.
