Terengganu Records Sharp Rise In Open Burning Cases In January

KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- A total of 121 cases of open burning were recorded in Terengganu between Jan 1 and 31 this year, compared with just 12 cases during the same period last year, said State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Nor Mahathir Muhamad.

He said the more than 900 percent increase in cases was alarming, with concerns that it could lead to serious fire incidents similar to those currently affecting several states, including Johor.

Nor Mahathir said that, so far, his department had identified 120 fire-prone areas across the state, particularly in the Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus districts.

“We also obtain information on these hotspots from the relevant departments for periodic monitoring to ensure early prevention.

“Fire cases in Terengganu are currently under control, but we urge the public not to indiscriminately conduct open burning, as it is feared this could lead to incidents like those occurring in other states,” he said at the Terengganu JBPM Annual Assembly 2026 at the Terengganu State Fire Department Office here today.

At the ceremony, Nor Mahathir also presented certificates of appreciation to representatives from the media, the public, and government departments in recognition of their support for Terengganu JBPM.

Meanwhile, he said the number of false emergency calls received by the State JBPM had also increased, from 10 cases in 2024 to 26 cases in 2025.

He said irresponsible actions by some quarters not only waste resources and time but could also hinder JBPM’s ability to respond to real emergencies involving lives and property.

“To raise public awareness of fire safety, JBPM conducted 1,949 activities last year, including talks, firefighting demonstrations, building management sessions, and Emergency Response Team (ERT) programmes, involving a total of 267,574 participants.

“We hope these programmes will help foster greater public awareness of environmental safety,” he added.

 --BERNAMA