KOTA BARU: The state Fire and Rescue Department recorded 577 fire cases during the first three months of this year, which is an increase of more than double compared to the same period last year.
Its director Zainal Madasin said the department recorded 257 fire cases from January until March in 2023.
"Looking at the number of cases reported this year, the department is quite worried the trend of fire cases in the state.
"We believe the current hot weather causes a drastic increase in the number of fire cases recorded," he told reporters at the launch of 'Ops Raya Aidilfitri 2024' here today.
The programme was launched by State Local Government, Housing, Health, and Environment committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah.
Zainal said the cases involved various types of fires including peak and bush fires.
"We also have identified several areas where open burning was detected, such as in Bachok and Machang," he said.
The department, he said, would continue monitoring the situation closely to prevent any untoward incidents.
For the coming Hari Raya celebration, he said firemen stationed at all 22 fire and rescue stations throughout the state have been told to increase their efforts to monitor the situation in the state.
"They are told to conduct regular inspection, especially at the accident prone areas as we believe there will be heavy traffic congestion during this coming festival," he said.
Zainal said the accident prone area are mostly located in Gua Musang, Jeli and Pasir Puteh.