Major Forest Fires in Johor: Ongoing Efforts and Public Warnings

In Johor, Malaysia, significant forest fires have been reported in Punggai, with two main locations affected: along Jalan Bypass Punggai-Sebana Cove and near the Pengerang People’s Housing Project (PPR). The fires, which began on March 21 and March 24, have burned approximately 150 hectares and 10 hectares, respectively. As of March 26, firefighters have successfully extinguished about 85% of the fire at Jalan Bypass and 55% at the PPR site.

The Straits Times

The Johor Fire and Rescue Department has mobilized 35 firefighters along with personnel from various agencies, including the police, Civil Defence Force, and Environment Department. Director Siti Rohani Nadir stated that direct attack methods using water tankers are being employed to prevent the fire from spreading. Excavators and backhoes are also utilized to create fire breaks, while plans for water bombing using helicopters are in place to expedite the extinguishment process.

The Straits Times

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department has reported a surge in fire incidents due to a prolonged dry spell, with over 400 cases of open burning, forest, and shrub fires occurring daily across the nation. In the first two months of 2026, the department handled 6,575 cases, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Johor has recorded the highest number of major fires, affecting 1,208 hectares of land.

The Straits Times

Director-General Nor Hisham Mohammad of the Fire and Rescue Department has urged the public to cease all open burning activities, emphasizing that 40% to 60% of fire-related calls involve estates, farms, and forests. He warned that individuals found guilty of violating open burning regulations could face fines of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment under the Environment Quality Act 1974.

The Straits Times

There is growing concern among environmentalists and local communities regarding the impact of open burning on air quality and public health. Critics argue that the government must enforce stricter regulations on agricultural burning practices to mitigate the risk of such fires in the future.

The Straits Times

While the Johor Fire and Rescue Department has reported significant progress in extinguishing the fires, some sources indicate that the situation remains critical, with ongoing surveillance and firefighting efforts required. The exact number of hectares still burning and the effectiveness of current firefighting strategies remain unclear.

The Straits Times

“The public needs to stop all open burning activities immediately as currently, 40 per cent to 60 per cent of the calls that the department gets involves fires at estates, farms, forests and shrub land,” — Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, Director-General, Fire and Rescue Department

The Straits Times

“Ms Siti Rohani said excavators and backhoes are used to create fire breaks to stop flames from spreading.” — Siti Rohani Nadir, Director, Johor Fire and Rescue Department

The Straits Times

The Fire and Rescue Department plans to continue monitoring fire hotspots, particularly in areas with peat soil, and will utilize drones for surveillance. Public cooperation is essential to prevent further incidents, and ongoing firefighting operations will remain a priority until all fires are fully extinguished.

The Straits Times