Kuala lumpur: The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has intensified firefighting operations and 24-hour monitoring following a marked rise in open burning incidents since mid-March. In a statement today, JBPM reported that 12,222 open burning cases were recorded nationwide between January 1 and March 25, with a consistent increase beginning March 17.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the trend of open burning showed a steady and significant rise starting March 17, with cases gradually increasing from 180 to 213 on March 19, before surging sharply to 304 on March 20. The numbers continued to rise, reaching 363 and 362 cases on the following days, peaking at 452 cases on March 23. Although the number of cases dipped slightly to 444 and 439 on March 24 and 25 respectively, the figures remained high.
JBPM noted that the past two weeks have seen a shift from a controlled situation to a more aggressive increase, necessitating continuous action to manage the situation. Kedah recorded the highest number of open burning cases at 2,411, followed by Johor with 2,221 cases, Selangor with 1,266 cases, Melaka with 961 cases, and Perak with 935 cases.
Based on deployment data, fires involving bush areas accounted for the highest number at 9,492 cases or 77.66 percent, followed by rubbish fires at 1,280 cases (10.48 percent), forest fires at 829 cases (6.78 percent), and plantation or farm fires at 621 cases (5.08 percent). Additionally, 203 large-scale fire locations involving areas exceeding two hectares were detected across 44 districts in 11 states, affecting a total area of 2,406.23 hectares. Of this total, 1,783.14 hectares or 74.10 percent have been extinguished, while the remaining 623.09 hectares or 25.90 percent are still under firefighting operations, particularly in Pahang (537.36 hectares) and Johor (85.73 hectares).
Continuous monitoring is being carried out at hotspot areas using data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre and Air Pollution Index readings via the Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia system, alongside 24-hour weather monitoring by the Malaysian Meteorological Department. Monitoring and patrols are also being conducted through aerial surveillance using helicopters and drones, in cooperation with the Forestry Department, the Department of Environment (DOE), and volunteer fire brigades nationwide.
JBPM observed that the number of open burning cases has fluctuated in recent years, with 13,906 cases in 2023, rising 17 percent to 16,294 cases in 2024, before dropping by about 39 percent to 9,941 cases in 2025. The department advised the public to immediately call the 999 emergency line if they detect any open burning incidents or to lodge a report with the DOE if it involves human activity. Open burning is an offense under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, punishable by a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.