KUALA NERUS: An increase in the number of open burning cases has been recorded nationwide in the past four days, says Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad.
Nor Hisham said 693 cases were recorded since Thursday.
The increase comes amid the hot and dry spell and was a cause for concern as these fires typically cover large areas and take time to bring under control, he said.
"When our fire engines and firemen are dispatched (from a station) to combat open burning, we need to rely on fire engines from other stations to respond to other emergencies," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the department's 10's Rugby Championship at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail stadium here.
Nor Hisham said the department is always ready for any emergency. He reminded the public against open burning.
Previously, the Malaysian Meteorological Department said Malaysians can expect hotter and drier days until September because of the ongoing Southwest Monsoon.
The department's director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said many areas will experience less rainfall.