THE Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is taking all necessary steps to face the hot weather, including focusing on the impact of the Super El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to affect the country early next year.
JBPM Director-General, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, said that among the main preparations is to expedite the supply of two operational assets, namely fire engine pumps and four-wheel drive light utility vehicles.
He said that JBPM has received 80 fire engine pumps and will add another 40, which are expected to be obtained by the end of the month.
“As for light utility vehicles, we have already received 200, which will be the first responders (early response teams) to small-scale forest fires.
“They will go first, survey, open the path, and if they can be extinguished, they will extinguish them immediately. This is to increase team mobilisation,” he said.
Nor Hisham said the increase in assets puts the JBPM at a better level of preparedness to face forest fires during the Southwest Monsoon.
“The main focus of the fire department is to see how the Super El Niño will affect the Pacific at the end of November 2026. The effects are expected to be felt at the end of January 2027, especially in the northern areas.
“Our focus is on preparing to face the impact of the Super El Niño on the country’s dry weather in early January next year, without neglecting operations during the Southwest Monsoon,” he said.
He also advised the public not to engage in open burning, as it is feared that it could cause the fire to spread quickly and be difficult to control.
“If you see a fire, even if it is small, quickly contact the department so that we can respond immediately because forest fires will spread quickly if left unchecked,” he said.
It was earlier reported that the year is expected to record the world's highest temperatures, driven by the El Niño phenomenon and the effects of global warming. – August 6, 2026
