Kelantan: The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has recorded 1,089 open burning cases from the overall total of 1,418 fire emergency calls received since Jan 1.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department's director, Farhan Sufyan Borhan, reported that these cases included 880 bush fires, 114 forest fires, 70 garbage fires, and 25 plantation fires, collectively affecting 1,618 hectares statewide. Kota Bharu reported the highest number of cases, totaling 400, followed by Bachok with 278 cases, and Pasir Mas with 173 cases.

To manage the incidents of open burning, the department has deployed 28 fire engines, along with seven water tankers of 10,000-litre and 20,000-litre capacities, and a hydro-sub vehicle across 22 fire stations in the state. Monitoring efforts have been increased, particularly in the 7,689-hectare peat soil areas of Bachok, Tumpat, Pasir Puteh, and Pasir Mas.

The director noted a 64 percent increase in open burning calls this March, which aligns with the Meteorological Department's forecast of dry weather persisting until mid-April or June. He urged the public to refrain from open burning activities to prevent further escalation of the situation.