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JOHOR BARU – The Johor Fire and Rescue Department is prepared to deal with open burning following the recent hot spell, especially in Muar and Pontian.
Its director Datuk Yahaya Madis said that since January 10, the department had received 764 calls from the public about open burning.
He said open burning was common in the two districts, with the fires usually at the same locations.
“The fires usually recur at agricultural sites at Paya Kopi in Pagoh, Parit Raja, and Seri Menanti, which are peatland areas, as well as in Pontian at the pineapple farms,” he told reporters after the 2022 annual parade ceremony here today.
Yahaya urged landfill owners to constantly monitor their land and not allow anyone, including scrap collectors, into the premises to prevent open burning, which can take some time to extinguish.
“Based on the current weather and wind conditions, it is not possible for spontaneous combustion to occur. Someone must have started these fires,” he said.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department recently informed that the country is currently in the final phase of the northeast monsoon season, and the rise in temperature is expected to continue until March. – Bernama, February 6, 2022
