Fire and Rescue Dept steps up readiness for hot spell, Super El Nino

KUALA LUMPUR – The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is preparing for hot weather, including focusing on the impact of the Super El Nino phenomenon expected to affect the country early next year.

Its director-general, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, said among the main preparations was expediting the supply of two operational assets — fire pumps and four-wheel-drive light operational utility vehicles.

He said JBPM had received 80 fire pumps and would add another 40 expected to be obtained by the end of this month.

"For light operational utility vehicles, 200 units have been obtained and these will be the first responders to small-scale forest fires.

"They will go in first, carry out a survey, open up access routes, and if the fire can be put out, they will extinguish it straight away. This is to improve the mobilisation of our teams," he told reporters after officiating the Fire Games (Sukbom) 2026 at Endah Parade here today.

Nor Hisham said the additional assets placed JBPM at a better level of readiness to deal with forest fires throughout the Southwest Monsoon.

"The department's main focus is on the effects of the Super El Nino that will hit the Pacific at the end of November 2026. Its impact is expected to be felt at the end of January 2027, particularly in the northern region.

"Our attention is on preparing for the impact of Super El Nino on the country's dry weather early next January, without neglecting operations throughout the Southwest Monsoon," he said.

He also advised the public against open burning, as fires could spread quickly and become difficult to control.

"If you see a fire, even a small one, call the department quickly so we can respond immediately, because forest fires will spread fast if left unattended," he said.

Earlier, Nor Hisham officiated Sukbom 2026, which features 11 events involving 1,384 participants including contingents.

He said the championship also served as a platform to determine the JBPM contingent's participation in the 2027 World Police and Fire Games in Perth, Australia, based on the athletes' performance at the meet.