NEGERI SEMBILAN JBPM RECORDS 219 OPEN BURNING INCIDENTS IN JANUARY

SEREMBAN, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) recorded 219 open burning incidents in January, an increase of nearly threefold compared to the 81 cases reported in the same period last year.

State JBPM director Nor Arifin Kamari said grass fires were the most common, accounting for 121 cases, followed by garden clearance fires (56), rubbish fires (33), and fires on plantations or farms (5) and in forests (4).

"The rise is due to several factors, such as extreme weather and strong winds, which allow fires to spread quickly and risk developing into large-scale blazes.

"Human factors, including intentional burning, have also contributed to the increase in open fires across the state," he told Bernama today.

He identified several areas as recurring or potential hotspots, such as Kuala Pilah, Port Dickson, Teluk Kemang, and Seremban 2, adding that other districts have also seen a rise in incidents.

Elaborating on last year’s statistics, Nor Arifin said the Negeri Sembilan JBPM recorded 610 grass fires, 129 rubbish fires, 33 forest fires, and 25 plantation or farm fires.

He advised the public to refrain from open burning, as it not only affects air quality and public health but also risks causing the spread of uncontrolled fire.

"The Department remains on high alert with adequate personnel and equipment to respond to any fire emergency. Cooperation from all parties is crucial to curb open burning and prevent harm to the economy and the nation's ecosystem," he said.

Members of the public facing any emergency are urged to contact the emergency line at 999 or the nearest fire station for assistance.

-- BERNAMA