KUCHING: Fire prevention and safety education efforts in Sarawak remain a priority following more than a twofold increase in the average number of open and forest fires recorded during the first nine months of this year.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Prof. Dr Sim Kui Hian said 2,870 fire safety education and awareness programmes had been conducted throughout the state from January to September 2026, involving 177,506 participants.

He said the initiatives were important in raising public awareness of fire risks, as well as strengthening prevention measures and emergency preparedness.

He said this during his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Tuesday.

Elaborating, Datuk Amar Dr Sim said 1,675 open and forest fires were recorded throughout Sarawak from January to September this year, affecting a total area of 1,697.75 hectares.

He said the average number of open and forest fires had risen to 186 cases a month, compared with 85 cases a month in the previous year.

In a related development, he said the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) received 7,374 emergency calls from January 1 to September 27, 2026.

“Of the total, 2,465 calls involved fire incidents, 4,874 involved rescue operations and 28 were for special services.

“The operations also helped save assets worth RM443.27 million,” he said.

The increase in fire incidents highlights the importance of strengthening cooperation between rescue agencies and the public to foster a culture of fire prevention. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Eisner Nala
Photo: George S. Embie
Translator: Uilson Ng