Melaka Fire Department reports 285 open burning cases in January, a sharp rise from 57 last year, with losses exceeding RM48 million in 2023.
MELAKA: Open burning incidents in Melaka surged to 285 cases in January, nearly five times higher than the 57 cases recorded in the same month last year.
State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohd Zaidi Ma’at described the sharp increase as worrying, noting it occurred during the Northeast Monsoon season which usually brings frequent rain.
He said 778 open burning cases were recorded throughout the whole of last year, involving fires in orchards, plantations, grasslands, bushes, forests and rubbish disposal areas.
“Among the identified causes are strong winds, rubbish burning, land clearing for new farms, smoking activities and small sparks that can escalate into larger fires under certain conditions,” he told reporters.
Mohd Zaidi advised the public to be cautious with activities involving fire and to properly monitor potential ignition sources to prevent open burning.
He said fires last year resulted in losses amounting to RM48 million, while properties valued at an estimated RM161 million were successfully saved.
The director said Melaka JBPM will continue strengthening monitoring efforts across the state.
He urged the public to comply with the ban on open burning to ensure public safety and protect the environment. – Bernama
