SHAH ALAM, Oct 17 — High fire risks in five Selangor districts have been identified amid the El Niño phenomenon, especially in forests, scrubland, plantations and peatland, said Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Datuk Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail.
He said the districts are Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam, Kuala Langat, Sepang and Hulu Selangor.
“For Selangor, particular attention should be given to areas with forest cover, scrubland, orchards or plantations, as well as peatland, especially during prolonged dry spells.
“Based on current statistics and hotspots, areas requiring attention in terms of operational risks include Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Hulu Selangor, as well as certain areas in Klang, Petaling and Gombak,” he told Media Selangor.
However, Razali said the actual hotspots depend on the weather, soil moisture, and monitoring by the Selangor JBPM Operations Centre.
He said high-risk areas may change throughout the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to continue until next year, adding that open burning cases in Selangor increased by 802 this year from last year.
“Scrub fires were the main contributor, with an increase of 399 cases”, while there was a significant case surge in southern Selangor hotspots this year, Razali explained.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup previously said the El Niño phenomenon is expected to continue until June, possibly reaching “super” strength from this month to January.
He said Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) analysis found that the Southwest Monsoon, occurring concurrently with El Niño, could result in reduced rainfall and hotter, drier weather.
