KOTA BHARU, April 7 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) recorded a sharp increase in forest, bush and plantation fires nationwide from January to March 31 this year, totalling 12,938 cases.
Its deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman said this exceeds the 9,941 cases recorded from January to December last year.
The rise in open-burning incidents is driven by the current hot, dry weather.
“Bushfires accounted for the majority with 11,147 cases, followed by forest fires (1,047) and plantation or farm fires (744),” he told the media after the 2025 Excellent Service Awards ceremony and presentation of 30-Year Service Certificates for the Kelantan JBPM today.
Izram added that bushfires made up more than 80 per cent of total cases, making them the main concern.
The increase is also linked to uncontrolled open burning and limited monitoring in high-risk areas.
“For forest fires, Selangor recorded the highest number with 337 cases, followed by Kelantan (123), Penang (121), Sabah (113), and Kedah (102) while for bush fires, Kedah recorded the highest number with 2,524 cases, followed by Johor (1,886), Melaka (1,010), Kelantan (937), and Perak (759).
“For plantation or farm fires, Johor recorded the highest number with 359 cases, followed by Selangor (165), Perak (54), Kedah (29), and Kelantan (25),” he said.
Measures proposed include stricter enforcement of open burning laws, increased patrols in high-risk areas, greater public awareness efforts, and the use of technology such as drones and early warning systems.
“Cooperation among relevant agencies must also be strengthened to ensure more effective prevention,” Izram said.
