Tanjung Chat: The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has implemented a contingency plan with state forestry departments to address peat forest fires. Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said one of the measures includes identifying and ensuring a sufficient water supply to support continuous firefighting efforts at affected locations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department has identified 572 hotspots nationwide where open burning incidents have occurred, with Selangor, Perak, Johor, and Kedah recording the highest numbers. "We have identified 572 locations with recurring open burning incidents at the same sites for three consecutive years, which we classify as hotspots for open burning," he stated.

The contingency plan involves collaboration with state forestry departments. Nor Hisham noted that certain locations, such as in Terengganu and the Kelantan border, lack sufficient water supply due to their sandy texture. He was speaking to reporters after the 2025 Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Forum at the National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) Complex in Tanjung Chat, which was also attended by State JBPM director Farhan Sufyan Borhan.

For locations with inadequate water supply, the department plans to seek assistance from the district office to use excavators to create fire breaks, helping to prevent fires from spreading rapidly. "In addition to peat forest fires, we are also concerned about fires at waste disposal sites, whether involving municipal councils or illegal burning, as these require prolonged firefighting efforts," Nor Hisham added.

Through this contingency plan, the department aims to address water supply issues at locations with insufficient resources during open burning incidents. The use of excavators is part of the strategy to minimize firefighting duration.