Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has recorded 76 cases of fire occurring in school areas nationwide this year. Its director-general, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, revealed that electrical-related factors accounted for 60 percent of these incidents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nor Hisham explained that wiring issues, the use of electrical equipment, and resistance to electricity supply were the primary contributors to these fires. He noted that the department did not categorize the incidents based on specific school locations such as classrooms or laboratories but rather as incidents within the overall school area. These remarks were made during the closing ceremony of JBPM’s ‘National Firefighter Drill 2025’ at the Fire and Rescue Academy (Eastern Region).

In related developments, Nor Hisham reported that the fire department has commenced deploying heavy machinery to combat wildfires in Sarawak. The machinery is intended to create firebreaks to manage the rapidly spreading fires. He expressed concerns about potential fires descending into peatland areas if dry conditions persist, emphasizing the need for preparedness to implement total flooding measures.

Nor Hisham added that the fire department is collaborating with various parties, including large landholding companies, to control the wildfires. The Sarawak JBPM Operations Centre spokesperson confirmed ongoing wildfires at four locations, affecting over 88 hectares. These sites include a pineapple plantation in Marudi, a former landfill in Kampung Plaie, a forest near Universiti Teknologi MARA Mukah Campus, and the Kampung Jerijih landfill in Tanjung Manis.

Nor Hisham urged the public to refrain from burning activities, including garbage burning, during the hot season to prevent the escalation of fires. Although wildfire cases have declined by 50 percent this year compared to last, he expressed particular concern about fires in peatland areas due to their rapid spread potential.