KUALA LUMPUR: The Fire and Rescue Department dealt with a staggering 4,825 cases of uprooted trees and broken branches last year.
In the first three months of this year alone, 744 cases were reported, the department's director-general told the 'New Straits Times'.
The most severe incident occurred in Jalan Sultan Ismail here on May 7. One person was killed and two others injured when a huge tree came crashing down on several vehicles.
Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said members of the public should exercise caution in helping anyone pinned in a vehicle under a fallen tree.
"Ensure that the area is secure first. Do not blindly run in.
"Call 999 and report the incident so that emergency services can also respond," he said, adding that people should never go into the affected area alone.
"Those who are pinned in vehicles should not panic. Turn off your engine and call out for help.
"If you can reach out to your mobile phone, call 999."
He also urged people to take extra care in areas where there are large or old trees, and to keep track of weather updates.
"Last year, we responded to 4,825 cases of fallen trees. The highest was in Selangor with 953 cases, followed by 575 in Perak and 523 in Johor."
Nor Hisham said 10 people died and 47 were injured in those incidents.
"There were 744 cases from January to March this year. Selangor had 153, Perak had 120, and Sarawak had 94. One person died and 14 were injured," he said.
Nor Hisham said the department is always looking for ways to prepare the community for heatwaves and storms.