KOTA KINABALU : The Fire and Rescue Department responded to over 500 cases of forest and bush fires around the state this month due to the prolonged dry spell.
Its State director Nordin Pauzi said the district here and Papar recorded the highest number of cases this month at 131 and 69 respectively.
Meanwhile bush fire brought by the dry spell has ravaged the Katagazan Cemetery in Penampang on Sunday.
Babaig Condolence Committee chairman Victor Tokuyuk some of the graves in the cemetery were damaged and the surrounding area too needs to be cleared to prevent another Bush fire from spreading.
"Hopefully the government can help us here with the clearing works before it triggers another round of Bush fire," he said.
The dry spell which began in mid February is expected to continue next month before the transitional monsoon brings rain by May.