Environmental
Surge in open burning triggers firefighting surge in Malaysia
Malaysia's Fire and Rescue Department has ramped up firefighting and 24-hour monitoring nationwide after a sharp rise in open burning incidents since mid-March 2026.
The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has intensified operations and implemented round-the-clock monitoring in response to a marked increase in open burning cases across Malaysia starting mid-March 2026. The surge has raised concerns over air quality, haze formation, and public health risks, prompting tighter surveillance and faster response protocols. Authorities are coordinating with local agencies to identify hotspots and enforce stricter penalties on illegal burning activities. The move is part of broader efforts to mitigate environmental damage and reduce the risk of forest and land fires during the dry season.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Nationwide, Malaysia
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 22:39 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 22:39 UTC
- Source
- BERNAMA
- Connected threats
- Not provided