Forest fire: Fire and Rescue department receives more than 300 calls a day

The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is receiving more than 300 calls a day about forest fires, since the draught season started in mid-January.

Its director-general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said this was more than a four-fold increase as compared to about 70 calls received during normal periods nationwide.

"Selangor, Perak and Johor recorded the highest number of cases with about 80 calls daily," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after opening a 2013 Excellence Services and Certificate of Meritorious Service Award Ceremony in Bandar Baharu Tunjong here, Sunday.

"We view forest fires seriously because it takes a long time to put out and can cause health problems to residents because of the thick smoke," he added.