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KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is strengthening its operational assets to enhance its preparedness for forest fires ahead of the Super El Nino phenomenon expected to affect the country early next year.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the assets include fire engine pumps and four-wheel-drive light operational utility vehicles as part of preparations for the dry weather expected to accompany the phenomenon.
He said JBPM had received 80 fire engine pumps and would take delivery of another 40 by the end of this month.
"As for the light operational utility vehicles, we have acquired 200 units, which will serve as the first responders to small-scale forest fires.
"They will be deployed first to conduct reconnaissance, open access routes and, if the fire can be extinguished, put it out immediately. This is to improve the team's mobility,” he told reporters after officiating the 2026 Fire and Rescue Games (SUKBOM) here today.
Nor Hisham said JBPM's main focus was on assessing the impact of Super El Nino, which is expected to hit the Pacific region by the end of November 2026, with its effects likely to be felt in Malaysia by the end of January 2027.
"Our focus is on preparing for the impact of Super El Nino on the country’s dry weather conditions early next year, without neglecting operations during the Southwest Monsoon,” he said.
He also advised the public against carrying out open burning, warning that it could cause fires to spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
Earlier, Nor Hisham officiated 2026 SUKBOM, which features 11 events with the participation of 1,384 competitors.
He said the championship also serves as a platform to select JBPM athletes for the 2027 World Police and Fire Games in Perth, Australia, based on their performances at the meet. - BERNAMA
