The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has mobilised 667 assets nationwide as part of preparations to face the possible impact of the Super El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to affect Malaysia early next year.
JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said all state directors had been instructed to strategically position their resources, especially in high-risk areas including northern Peninsular Malaysia and the east coast of Sabah.
He said preparations were already underway after meetings with zone chiefs nationwide to assess readiness before the expected effects of Super El Nino between January and April next year.
“So far, there has been no impact as Super El Nino will occur in the Pacific Ocean. However, based on forecasts for November and December, its effects are expected to reach Malaysia in January,” he said.
Nor Hisham explained that northern states such as Perlis and Kedah could face drier conditions during the period, increasing the risk of fires involving paddy straw and bushes.
He added that Sabah’s east coast was also expected to experience a significant reduction in rainfall between March and April next year, which could further increase the risk of fire incidents.
Speaking after the 2026 Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Dialogue programme at the Dahlia Auditorium, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, he said JBPM would deploy water tanker vehicles to 183 critical locations and optimise the use of more than 600 portable pumps.
The department is also strengthening its aerial firefighting capability with 10 helicopters expected to be fully operational by December.
Nor Hisham said JBPM would continue working closely with agencies including the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), Malaysian Armed Forces and Forestry Department to improve firefighting response and strengthen enforcement against open burning.
He added that fire control centres would be ready to supply water to critical areas and deploy additional fire engines from nearby zones if water supply disruptions or low pressure occurred.
Meanwhile, Nor Hisham said JBPM recorded a 25 per cent decline in disciplinary cases during the first six months of this year, following stronger integrity programmes and regular inspections at 336 fire stations nationwide.
He said only 15 disciplinary cases were brought before the Disciplinary Board as of June, compared with 36 cases recorded throughout 2025, 43 cases in 2024 and 41 cases in 2023.
The complaints involved eight categories, including absenteeism, drug abuse, insubordination, violent offences, bankruptcy, dishonesty, syariah-related matters and “mule account” cases under investigation with the police.
Of the 15 cases, seven personnel received warnings, three had salary increments postponed, three were dismissed, while two had their emoluments forfeited.
Nor Hisham said the reduction was also linked to intervention efforts by special teams deployed to selected fire stations to review management practices, workforce arrangements and financial administration.
