Kota Kinabalu: A total of 1,551 open burning cases were recorded across Sabah between March 1 and Sept 13 this year, according to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
Sabah JBPM director Mohd Pisar Aziz said quarterly data showed the second quarter (April to June) recorded the highest incidence at 655 cases (42.2 per cent), followed by the third quarter with 470 cases (30.3 per cent) and the first quarter with 426 cases (27.5 per cent).
Bush and cogon grass fires formed the bulk of incidents at 1,012 cases (65.2 per cent), followed by forest fires with 381 cases (24.6 per cent).
Mohd Pisar urged the public to refrain from conducting open burning, particularly during dry weather conditions, which can cause flames to spread rapidly and become uncontrollable.
He added that the department will continue strengthening hotspot surveillance, operational readiness, and public awareness initiatives to mitigate open burning risks throughout the State.
