KOTA KINABALU: The state fire and rescue department recorded 1,671 open burning cases in Sabah since early this year.
Its director Kamarulzaman Malik Abdullah said 190 cases were recorded in January, followed by 537 cases in February and 994 cases this month.
“We advise the people to reduce their outdoor activity, especially open burning at farms or orchards that can lead to major fire,” he said.
Kamarulzaman noted that Tuaran district recorded the highest open burning cases (261), followed by Kota Kinabalu (156); Keningau (155); Kota Belud (139) and Penampang (122).
He said Tuaran district also recorded the highest number of open burning cases in the first three months, with 39 cases in January, 89 cases in February, and 140 cases this month.
Meanwhile, based on March statistics, the department recorded 459 bush fire, 295 forest fires, 44 garbage burning, and 32 small orchards burning, and eight farm burning.