MELAKA: A total of 20 cases of open burning involving scrubland, grass and rubbish were recorded in Melaka within a 12-hour period from 6am on Saturday (Jan 31). Melaka Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Mohd Hafidzatullah Rashid said the incidents were attributed to hot and dry weather conditions, in addition to uncontrolled open burning and human activities. "The open burning incidents show an increasing trend involving public and residential areas. The fires ranged from small-scale incidents that were successfully extinguished in less than 30 minutes to large-scale fires covering up to 6.0ha, which required prolonged operations lasting more than six hours,” he said in a statement. All fires were fully brought under control by on-duty personnel, and no loss of life or injuries were reported.

Source: The Star January 31, 2026 18:08 UTC