Bush fires surge to over 11,000 cases nationwide in Q1 2025, driven by hot weather and open burning, with Kedah and Johor among the worst-hit states.
KOTA BHARU: The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has recorded a sharp nationwide increase in forest, bush and plantation fires, with 12,938 cases reported from January to March 31 this year alone.
This three-month total already exceeds the 9,941 cases recorded for the entire 12 months of last year, according to JBPM deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman.
He attributed the alarming rise primarily to the current hot and dry weather conditions across the country.
“Bush fires accounted for the majority with 11,147 cases, followed by forest fires (1,047) and plantation or farm fires (744),” he told reporters after an awards ceremony in Kota Bharu.
Ahmad Izram noted that bush fires alone constituted more than 80% of all incidents, making them the department’s principal concern.
He further linked the increase to uncontrolled open burning activities and limited monitoring capabilities in high-risk areas.
For forest fires specifically, Selangor recorded the highest number with 337 cases, followed by Kelantan (123), Penang (121), Sabah (113) and Kedah (102).
The state of Kedah also recorded the highest number of bush fires at 2,524 cases, followed by Johor (1,886), Melaka (1,010), Kelantan (937) and Perak (759).
In the category of plantation or farm fires, Johor led with 359 cases, followed by Selangor (165), Perak (54), Kedah (29) and Kelantan (25).
To combat the crisis, Ahmad Izram proposed a series of measures including stricter enforcement against open burning and increased patrols in high-risk zones.
He also emphasised the need for greater public awareness campaigns and the deployment of technology such as drones and early warning systems.
“Cooperation among relevant agencies must also be strengthened to ensure more effective prevention,” he added.