KOTA KINABALU, March 20 — The Sabah Forestry Department (JPS) has issued a critical appeal to the public, especially those residing near forest reserve areas, urging them to refrain from open burning. The goal is to prevent further natural disasters in the region.

Key Points:

1. Heightened Vigilance: The department’s Initial Attack Crew (IAC) remains on full alert, actively preventing fires from spreading to forest reserves.
2. Collaboration and Information Sharing: JPS is actively collaborating with the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the Department of Environment, and the fire department to enhance forest fire management strategies.
3. Extreme Temperatures: Sabah has been experiencing an ongoing drought since early February. Areas such as Sipitang, Papar, Beaufort, Kota Kinabalu, and Kota Belud have witnessed temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.
4. Highly Flammable Conditions: The dry weather has rendered forest areas, bushes, and grasslands highly flammable, with rapid fire spread rates. Bush areas around Papar and Kota Kinabalu continue to burn, leading to hazy conditions.
5. Water Sources Depleted: Many permanent water sources and streams have dried up, affecting the ability of various agencies to control and extinguish forest fires.
6. Previous Incidents: Notable forest fire incidents occurred in February, including one in the Paya Gambut Forest in Binsulok, Beaufort (covering approximately 357 hectares), and another near the Sulaman Lake forest reserve close to Kota Kinabalu.
7. Community Collaboration: JPS emphasizes that collaboration across society during the ongoing dry season is crucial to prevent forest fire incidents.
8. Legal Consequences: The department warns that individuals who disregard advice from the Forestry Department, fire department, and district natural disaster committees and are found responsible for fires in forest reserves may face legal action. Court charges under Section 19 of the Forest Enactment 1968 could result in a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RM100,000 upon conviction.

Let us all play our part in safeguarding our forests and preventing further environmental damage. 🌿🔥🚫