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Malaysia Urges End to Open Burning Amid 400 Hectare Fires

3/27/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nor Hisham Mohammad, Director-General of Malaysia's Fire and Rescue Department, urged a halt to open burning as fires burn 400 hectares.
The department logged over 400 daily incidents, with March 23 and 24 at peak.
The department has extinguished 1,680 hectares this year.
In Pengerang, firefighters have controlled 85% of a 150-hectare fire since March 21.
Penalties under the Environment Quality Act 1974 apply to those who burn waste.

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Story summary

Nor Hisham Mohammad, Director-General of Malaysia's Fire and Rescue Department, urged a halt to open burning as fires burn 400 hectares.
The department logged over 400 daily incidents, with March 23 and 24 at peak.
The department has extinguished 1,680 hectares this year.
In Pengerang, firefighters have controlled 85% of a 150-hectare fire since March 21.
Penalties under the Environment Quality Act 1974 apply to those who burn waste.