Terengganu: A total of 121 cases of open burning were recorded in Terengganu between January 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 highlighted the more than 900 percent increase in cases, which raises concerns about potential serious fire incidents similar to those currently affecting several states, including Johor. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nor Mahathir stated that his department had identified 120 fire-prone areas across the state, particularly in the Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus districts. He emphasized the importance of obtaining information on these hotspots from relevant departments for periodic monitoring to ensure early prevention. While fire cases in Terengganu are currently under control, Nor Mahathir urged the public to refrain from indiscriminate open burning to prevent incidents similar to those occurring in other states. At the Terengganu JBPM Annual Assembly 2026 held at the Terengganu State Fire Department Office, Nor Mahathir presented certificates of appreciation to representatives from the media, the public, and government departments in recognition of their support for Terengganu JBPM. He also reported an increase in the number of false emergency calls received by the State JBPM, rising from 10 cases in 2024 to 26 cases in 2025. Such irresponsible actions waste resources and time and could 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. Nor Mahathir expressed hope that these programmes will help foster greater public awareness of environmental safety.