MD News

21/04/2023

Motorcyclist, backseat rider seriously injured after being rear-ended by car in Muara Tebas

KUCHING (April 21): A motorcyclist and his backseat rider were seriously injured after being rear-ended by a car at Kampung Muara Tebas in Jalan Bako at around 9pm yesterday.

Rescuers from the Tabuan Jaya Fire Station were at the scene as they moved the 19-year-old rear seat rider to safety after landing on the hood of the car after the crash.

Paramedics from the Sarawak General Hospital then administered first aid to the backseat rider and the 18-year-old motorcyclist.

The pair were later taken to hospital in separate vehicles for further treatment.

The driver of the car did not suffer any bodily injuries.

When contacted, Kuching Police Chief Ahsmon Bajah said the motorcyclist suffered a broken leg.

"We are investigating the case under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987," he said.

21/04/2023

Several traders at Larkin market caught flouting Hari Raya price control scheme

JOHOR BARU: Several traders at a market here have been found selling goods above the prices set under the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP), says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said he had received complaints from the public about Larkin market traders selling goods at unreasonable prices.

"I checked on it myself this morning and found there are indeed those who have failed to adhere to the set prices.

"I have told enforcement officers to take appropriate action, whether it is a just a warning or to take more stern action if it is a repeated offence," he said at the Larkin market here on Friday (April 21).

He said that the traders were found selling imported buffalo meat at RM24 per kilogramme when the maximum price was set at RM20.

"We have conducted similar checks at several other locations and have yet to come across other such cases.

"Due to the proximity of this market to the Singapore border, there are those taking advantage of the situation by putting higher price tags on their goods.

"We will take closely monitor the prices of goods sold in areas near the border. Stern action will be taken against those taking advantage of the situation," he said.

On another matter, Salahuddin said that there are no signs of panic buying for Hari Raya Aidilfitri so far.

"I believe people are more prepared this year and have already made early preparations," he said.

21/04/2023

Use of drones improves enforcement of demerit system, says JPJ

SEREMBAN: The use of drones will help improve the enforcement of the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) Demerit Points System for Traffic Offences (Kejara) to reduce traffic offences.

JPJ senior director (enforcement) Datuk Lokman Jamaan said this would also help ensure road users comply with road regulations and laws thus achieving the goal of halving the accident rate by 2030.

He said from January 2022 to April 5, a total of 146,261 demerit points were imposed on motorists with 1,935 licence holders receiving warnings, first-time suspensions (412), second-time suspensions (75), third time suspensions (seven) while the licence of six probationary driver's license holders (PDL) were revoked.

"Among the offences subject to demerit points are overtaking on double lines, using mobile phones while driving and beating red lights. Drones will be deployed to detect the offences involved and immediate action will be taken.

"The demerit system will have a big impact because the licences of offenders will be suspended or withdrawn, apart from confiscating the vehicle if they are still using it without a licence," he told reporters after the drone enforcement operation which was also attended by state JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusof here on Friday (April 21).

He said enforcement using drones will continue and efforts would be made at the same time to improve the ability of personnel operating them.

According to him, there are 15 drones used in six states including Negri Sembilan, Melaka and JPJ headquarters while the other states are in the process of obtaining licences.

Meanwhile, Lokman said JPJ would intensify monitoring in 129 hot spots identified as frequent accident areas throughout the country this festive season.

"Its use to detect traffic offenders is very effective. Road users will feel that they are being watched and instill the 'perception of being caught'. It does not interfere with the flow of traffic but can still monitor traffic violations," he said.

Hanif Yusabra also said that during a two-day road enforcement operation in Negri Sembilan, a total of 61 notices for offences were detected through drones.

21/04/2023

Labuan police issue warning after ‘spitting in food’ viral video

KOTA KINABALU: Police have received at least three reports over a 12-second viral video that purportedly captured a man spitting into a food mix he was preparing at a Ramadan bazaar in Labuan.

The clip has been making the rounds in social media since Wednesday (April 19), much to the disgust of netizens.

The authorities have however also warned the people against spreading videos or making statements that could disrupt public peace following comments made by the online community after the clip was shared.

Labuan OCPD Supt Ahmad Jawila said after checking, the incident allegedly captured in the video was said to have taken place on the same day the clip went viral at the Ramadan bazaar in Labuan Walk.

"Through the clip, it was said the man was a hawker selling murtabak with 'spit flavour' at the Labuan Walk bazaar and drew criticisms from various parties who were unhappy about the incident," he said, in a statement on Friday (April 21).

"The police would like to advise the public not to indiscriminately spread videos or make any comment that could raise concern in the community," he added.

The case, he said, was being probed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Section 233 criminalises online content that is obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person.

Supt Ahmad said those found guilty faced a maximum RM50,000 fine or jail up to a year, or both.

A motorist parked near the bazaar is believed to have taken the video before sharing it with friends and family, who forwarded it to a wider audience.

An attached voice message is heard saying vaguely where the incident was recorded, among other details.

Netizens have called the trader's act "gross, appalling, disgusting and dirty."

Towards this end, Supt Ahmad urged anyone with information pertaining to the incident at the bazaar to come forward and help in the police’s investigations.

He said the public may contact investigating officer Asst Supt Mohd Kennedy Mat Jusoh at 087-412 222.

21/04/2023

Couple killed in car-express bus collision in Terengganu

KUALA TERENGGANU: A husband and wife were killed, while their daughter was injured, when their car collided with an express bus at Kilometre 21 on Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Kota Bharu in Sungai Ikan, near here on Friday (April 20) afternoon.

Kuala Terengganu district police deputy chief Supt Wan Mohd Zaki Wan Ismail said in the incident at 12.45 pm, Che Ku Yusoff Ali Che Ku Embong, 52, who was driving a Perodua Myvi and his wife Siti Faridaf Ahmad, 46, who was in the rear passenger seat, died at the scene of the accident.

He said besides the couple's daughter, Che Ku Batrisya, 18, who was seated in the front passenger seat, the express bus driver, aged 51, and eight bus passengers also suffered injuries.

"Preliminary investigations found that the crash occurred when the express bus, carrying a bus attendant and 27 passengers, was on its journey from the direction of Kota Bharu towards Kuantan.

"The Perodua Myvi car driven by Che Ku Yusoff Ali, who was coming from the direction of Kuala Terengganu and heading towards Felda Belara here, strayed into the bus' path and the bus driver had no time to prevent a collision," he said when contacted on Friday.

He said the bodies of the couple were sent to the forensics unit of the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) here and the case would be investigated in accordance with Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Wan Mohd Zaki said the couple's daughter and the bus driver are receiving treatment in HSNZ whereas all the injured passengers had been taken to Setiu Hospital for further treatment.

21/04/2023

Gas leak at Kota Kinabalu flour mill leaves worker semi-conscious

KOTA KINABALU: The Fire and Rescue Department responded to a gas leak at a flour mill in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) here on Friday (April 21).

A 27-year-old factory staff had also become semi-conscious following the incident, where the Hazardous Material Unit Team (Hazmat) conducted a decontamination process on him outside the building.

The Department initially received the report at 4.25pm and sent a team of seven Hazmat and three Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel to the location.

"The Hazmat team reported a leak from a gas tank of mixed LPG (liquified petroleum gas) and Methyl Bromide, which had been shut by factory workers before the team arrived.

"The victim was given a preliminary treatment in the ambulance after the decontamination process, and was sent to the Queen Elizabeth 1 district hospital for further treatment.

"After ensuring there are no more risks, the operation ended at 5.28pm," the spokesman added.

21/04/2023

No need to rush to take up RM50 rate for pre-2022 traffic summonses, offer valid for a month, says the police

GUA MUSANG: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is offering a special settlement rate of RM50 for traffic summonses issued in 2022 or earlier for one month, starting Friday (April 21) until May 21.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Seri Mat Kasim Karim said the special rate was implemented for the first time by the police so that the summonses for non-compoundable offences can be settled.

According to him, the reduction of almost 85% to 86% demonstrates the government's intention to contribute in terms of providing facilities to the people by reducing the burdens faced by the community.

He said this includes non-compoundable traffic offences that require offenders to go directly to court.

"This move is due to members of the community’s complaints that they face problems with licence and road tax renewals. So, with this offer, it will offer convenience to the community,” he told reporters when visiting the Gua Musang alternative route here Thursday (April 20).

Mat Kasim said, however, that the offer was not valid for cases which are pending settlement in court.

At the same time, he called on the community to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the government as they have until after Hari Raya Aidilfitri to settle the summonses.

"Especially those with non-compoundable summonses, they should take this opportunity as this kind of offer has never been (implemented) in the history of the police because we are bound by the rules but the government sees what can be helped, so we try to help as best as we can.

"No need to rush to make the payment, let's celebrate Aidilfitri first because there is still time to settle the summonses,” he said.

21/04/2023

Ahmad Zahid urges Muslims to be vigilant of new Covid-19 variant over Hari Raya

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Muslims celebrating Aidilfitri in Malaysia to remain vigilant against the new Covid-19 variant XBB1.16, or Arcturus.

He said the infection rate of the new variant had yet to be identified.

"I hope that we will be careful when we are celebrating," he told reporters after visiting an Aidilfitri sale in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman here on Friday (April 21).

He also advised those returning to their home towns to be careful and focused while driving to avoid any untoward incidents.

"Lives are more important and I hope that road safety is prioritised," he said.

Checks by Bernama at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman found that many people were shopping during the last day of Ramadan.

Ahmad Zahid also spent time mingling with shoppers, taking selfies with visitors and traders.

21/04/2023

Celebrate but stay vigilant of Covid-19, Haze, say health experts

KUALA LUMPUR: The public should exercise extra caution when celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri as Covid-19, along with the ongoing haze phenomenon, still poses danger and risks to respiratory health, say experts.

Although this was the first time in three years Hari Raya was being celebrated without the imposition of standard operating procedures (SOP) by the government, there was no reason to throw caution to the wind.

According to the official Health Ministry data, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country rose by 87.5% in the last 14 days leading up to April 8, while the number of hospital admissions recorded an increase of 30.5%.

International Islamic University Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Mohammad Farhan Rusli said that while there was no specific SOP, the public should administer some self-preventive measures before engaging the elderly and children during Hari Raya Aidilfitri gatherings.

He said frequent hand-washing and practising safe physical distancing in crowds, especially with unknown people, were some of the better ways of self-protection.

"Also, take your own gear, such as prayer mats, when going for prayers at mosques. If possible, perform ablution at home beforehand and mask up at all times.

"The moment you feel unwell, avoid gatherings and test yourself. Always remember, the best person to take care of you is yourself, not anyone else," he said when contacted.

Meanwhile, occupational health, emergency and public health expert Dr Hanafiah Bashirun said that Malaysia was still under the Transition to Endemic Phase since April 1 last year and the government had not officially declared the country free from the deadly virus.

"We are under the transition to endemicity so there is obvious relaxation of SOPs but there is absolutely no reason to throw caution to the wind, particularly with the new emergence of Covid-19 sub-variants such as XBB," he said.

In light of the current hot weather and haze enveloping the country, an environmental expert has advised the public to limit their time outdoors and to mask up during Hari Raya.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) Earth Science and Environment Department senior lecturer, Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir said wearing masks can be applied to the haze phenomenon, as it aids in reducing exposure to pollutants and protecting respiratory health.

"During the haze season, it is advisable to wear masks that are specifically designed to filter air pollutants, such as N95 or N99 respirators.

"However, it is important to note that not all masks are created equal, and some may not provide adequate protection against air pollutants.

"It is crucial to choose a mask that meets the appropriate standards and is properly fitted to ensure maximum effectiveness," he said.

Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had previously been quoted as saying that the haze in the country was expected to be more serious this year than in the past three years as plantation and industrial activities resumed their normal operations.

21/04/2023

Perikatan claims TV station cancelled its 'Takbir Raya' programme

PETALING JAYA: The televised 'Takbir Raya' by Perikatan Nasional that was apparently scheduled to be aired on Tuesday night (April 21) has been cancelled.

"To all Malaysians, we are truly sorry as the programme was cancelled at the last minute.

"According to the schedule, the programme was supposed to be aired at 10.20pm but we received a notice at 10.11pm that TV3 officially cancelled it.

"The session, led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic), can however be viewed on Perikatan’s official page," the coalition said in a statement on Friday (April 21).

The statement was accompanied by the image of an email, supposedly by TV3, stating that the programme was cancelled at the last minute due to technical difficulties.

"We regret that we cannot deliver this as promised and bring our apologies for any inconvenience that it may have caused you," the alleged email by TV3 read.

It added that the funds would be reimbursed in total, as soon as possible.

Bersatu Youth (Armada) chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the programme was cancelled despite the coalition having paid for the slot.

Bersatu is one of the party’s in the Perikatan coalition.

"TV3 cancelled this even though we paid for it. Surely, there’s someone who ordered it," Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said in a tweet on Friday.

On Friday, images of the programme went viral on social media, with even Pahang Bersatu Chief and Indera Makhota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah sharing the image on his social media platforms.

21/04/2023

21/04/2023

The police opened the door of the woman's dead body and were shocked to find that the mummy had revealed her father's body for 15 years

There was a strange smell coming from the home of a woman in Portugal. After receiving a report from a neighbor, the police searched the house and found that she had been dead for a long time. They were surprised to find her father's mummified body in the house. It is believed that she had been with the co**se for at least 15 years.

According to the "Mirror", a woman in Oeiras, Portugal, was notified by her neighbors that the stench had been coming out of her house for the past few weeks.

So the police came to check on the house on Sunday (16th) and found that the woman aged between 55 and 65 was at the morgue and was estimated to have died in March this year.

What is even more incredible is that the police found not only a body in her residence, but also a mummy in pajamas lying on a bed in the bedroom. It is presumed to be the woman's 80-year-old father, and the estimated time of death is more than 15 years.

After investigation by the police, it was found that the old man moved to Oeiras with his daughter after he was widowed in 2001. His personal certificate was also found in the residence. The validity period was 2005, and it has not been updated since then.

Neighbors told police they had not seen him for at least 15 years.

The woman is believed to have a hoarding habit. The rubbish piled up in the house, and the firefighters could not open the door, so they had to enter the house through the window.

After investigation by the police, there was no sign of any crime in the deceased's home. It is preliminarily inferred that the two deceased should have died of natural causes.

The police also analyzed the remains afterwards to confirm the exact cause of death and time of death, and the investigation is still ongoing.

21/04/2023

Chiropractor accused of r**e by a few clients

KOTA KINABALU: A chiropractor is being investigated for sexually assaulting his clients here after a customer claimed he had got her pregnant.

The allegations came to light after the customer was said to have been sexually assaulted during one of her treatment sessions with him earlier last month.

She shared her experience online after she confirmed her pregnancy from a self-test and claimed to have been sexually assaulted by the chiropractor prior to that.

She lodged a police report on the incident and urged other victims to come forward as well.

After her post went viral, other apparent victims shared similar horror stories about the chiropractor.

They alleged that they too had been assaulted in many ways but were too ashamed and afraid to come forward before this.

The suspect, who promotes his services on social media, deactivated his accounts after the allegations of sexual assault surfaced.

Penampang OCPD Deputy Supt Mohd Haris Ibrahim said the case is being investigated for r**e.

21/04/2023

Essential workers ready to lend a hand

THE balik kampung exodus, a time when people who work or live in the city return to their hometowns to celebrate festivities with families and friends, has begun.

The joy and anticipation of driving home during Hari Raya is felt by many, as an estimated two million vehicles are expected to use the highway network.

But some will not be able to return to their hometowns as people will be counting on them to respond to emergencies on the highways.

These local highway heroes –from patrol officers to traffic management centre personnel – answer the call of duty and ensure motorists have access to help during the holidays.

StarMetro caught up with personnel from highway concessionaires PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) and Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) as well as the Jalan Tun Razak Fire and Rescue station to find out about their preparations for the season.

At the Persada PLUS corporate office in Subang Jaya, which is located along New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), two PLUS Ronda employees will be on duty this year.

Mohd Rafie Md Isa, 38, from Sungai Petani in Kedah, and Haril Hafiz Md Zin, 29, from Muar in Johor, will be patrolling the expressway and providing assistance to motorists.

Having been on the job for seven years, Mohd Rafie and Haril both find meaning in what they do daily, although it comes with some sacrifices such as being away from their hometowns for Hari Raya.

Their annual leave for Hari Raya is on rotation, so they are both hopeful that they will get time off next year.

Some of the harrowing and challenging situations these highway patrol personnel have had to face over the years are fatal road accidents.

“Dealing with death is horrific, and it sits with us for a while.

“One of the worst things to happen while I was on duty was a motorcycle accident on the right lane, where a friend of the victim, who also stopped and waited, was hit by another car and died.

“When I see this, I always remember my family,” Haril said.

He reminded the public that highway emergency lanes should only be used for emergencies.

“Don’t stop at the emergency lane to take a call or feed your children. It’s not safe.

“When it’s an emergency, always use a safety triangle,” he added.

In the event of a breakdown or accident, they advise motorists to get out of their vehicles, place a safety triangle to signal distress and if possible, stand against the guardrails.

Mohd Rafie said throughout their years of service as highway patrol personnel, they had witnessed many stressful situations such as passengers being left behind at rest stops.

“We have seen parents accidentally leaving behind one of their children and bus drivers forgetting passengers.

“These people would not have their handphones with them so we help them call our PLUS Traffic Monitoring Centre and keep them safe,” he said.

He added that patrol personnel also had to maintain their fitness level and have certification for basic first-aid as well as basic auto mechanic knowledge.

PLUS Ronda personnel assist in minor vehicle repairs, towing services for light vehicles to the nearest rest and service area or safe area, and traffic management and coordination of emergency services.

Stepping into the PLUS Traffic Monitoring Centre (TMC), StarMetro saw how 82 employees worked 24-hour shifts all-year round to man the 1-800 88 0000 PLUSLine and keep tabs on traffic flow.

During festive seasons, they receive about 3,000 calls a day, comprising emergencies and general questions.

TMC supervisor Mohd Yusnizan Nasir, 39, a father of three from Bera, Pahang, will also be working this Hari Raya.

“We usually receive a high volume of calls three days before Hari Raya and on the fourth day of Raya onwards,” he said, adding that they disseminated traffic information through radio stations, variable message signs (VMS), PLUSLine and PLUSTrafik Twitter service.

While not able to be with her family in Teluk Intan, Perak, this year, TMC staff member Norziha Abd Rahman, 35, sees the bright side of being on duty as she gets to help people.

“My job will be to ensure that motorists get the assistance they need,” she said.

The public can also download the PLUS mobile app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store instead of calling the hotline.

The app has a PUTRI chatbot and SOS button which channels calls to TMC. It also provides live traffic updates.

Keeping people moving

Over at Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE) Highway Operation Centre in Sungai Buloh, patrol officer Jesni Ya, 49, who hails from Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, is happy that he is getting time off for Hari Raya this year.

The father of three has been an auxiliary police officer with Prolintas for 14 years.

“I am proud to have this job where I help people and solve problems.

“Breakdowns and accidents are common during the festive season.

“We even have to clear away roadkill on the highways,” he told StarMetro.

He and colleague Azlizan Saad, 40, from Pekan, Pahang, are busy making sure their patrol vehicles are ready with the essential tools and equipment required for the job.

Prolintas manages six highways – Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh), GCE, Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA), Kajang SILK Highway, Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) and Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE).

Azlizan will be on patrol duty for Hari Raya this year.

“We also find many motorists use the emergency lanes for non-emergency reasons.

“Safety for everyone is important; we also run the risk of getting hit by a vehicle when we carry out our duties,” said Azlizan.

Jesni and Azlizan are part of a team which patrols GCE at least five times a day.

GCE is a 54.4km expressway that connects Shah Alam to Rawang, with nine interchanges including access to the North-South Expressway via the Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar).

The emergency hotline is 1-800-22-8888.

Nurmayiean Miean, 30, from Kota Belud in Sabah, has had much experience in the control room monitoring highways for the past three years.

“I have witnessed so many incidents and have gained good traffic monitoring experience.

“My job allows me to help the public in times of distress and vehicle breakdowns,” she said.

Equipped and prepared

Being far away from their families during the festive season can be especially difficult for Fire and Rescue Department personnel.

Jalan Tun Razak Fire and Rescue station chief Farid Hussin learned to appreciate family time even more while being away on duty.

Farid recalled a heartbreaking incident when he received a distress call during Hari Raya, where he saw a family with three young kids watching their house burn down.

In such situations, Farid said the only thing on his mind was his family back home and if they were safe while he and his team helped those in need.

“I have strong faith in God to protect my family as I am protecting the public,” he said.

Although not on duty this festive period, Farid will visit the fire station on the first day of Hari Raya, after prayers to boost the morale among firefighters.

He said firefighters were a second family and they would gather to share food and have a Hari Raya potluck.

“Every morning after marching, I will ask the team to voice their concerns and if anything burdened them lately.

“If they are too shy to speak in front of others, they can tell me personally afterwards.

“The people at fire stations along Jalan Tun Razak such as Titiwangsa fire station as well as Keramat, Pudu and Hang Tuah, have become closer as we sometimes cover for each other during Hari Raya.

“We always respond to each other’s calls if an officer is not on duty at one of the stations,” he said.

Firefighter Haryati Abdullah, 34, said her duty was never an excuse to neglect family responsibilities.

She said every time she received a distress call, she made it a point to call her family just to let them know.

“Our duty requires us to rescue people. There are times when a victim is stuck between heavy objects, and it could be their hand or the lower half of their bodies,” she said.

“Some experience severe injuries and die, and even then, firefighters have to assume control of the situation and minimise trauma,” she said.

Haryati, who has been on duty during Hari Raya four out of 12 years of service, emphasised that her family understood the nature of her job.

“I rarely go back home as I am from Kuching, Sarawak, while my husband is from Tawau, Sabah,” she said, adding that in a year, they would fly back to their hometown only once.

Firefighter Muhd Daud Esa, 32, said they were always prepared to spend time away from their families during Hari Raya.

“During the first three years, we do not have the option to take leave during festive seasons.

“After three years, a random ballot will determine if a firefighter is working or not,” he said.

Despite the difficulties that come with the job, Muhd Daud’s family has never complained about him being away for work because they understand the importance of serving the public.

21/04/2023

‘Nearly 100 bush fires in a day’

JOHOR BARU: There have been twice the number of bush and forest fires this month with almost 100 reported daily across the country, says Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Edwin Galan Teruki (pic).

He said firemen have been busy responding to these cases, adding that there was an average of only 40 daily cases recorded in March.

He said most such operations last month were carried out in Kedah with 509 cases, Selangor (240), Terengganu (231) and Kelantan (189 cases).

“These figures also include the burning of rubbish and slash-and-burn activities at farms around the country,” he said in an interview.

Edwin said the biggest peat soil fire covered an area of about 12ha in Bachok, Kelantan, which has been going on for about a week.

“We have mobilised almost 50 firemen, and the fire is expected to take some time to be extinguished,” he said.

There were 99 hotspots detected on April 16 – 52 in Sabah and Sarawak, and 47 in the peninsula.

“Rain in some of the states helped extinguish some fires and improve the air quality in the area,” he added.

He also appealed to the public to stop all open burning.

In anticipation of the dry season, he said, the department had frozen leave for 80% of its personnel until the end of the month.

On Hari Raya operations, Edwin said the department has already stationed firemen in 14 accident hotspots nationwide until April 29.

“We are also providing ambulance services with our helicopters known as Emergency Medical Air Rescue Services,” he said, adding the department currently had nine helicopters.

He advised those leaving home to make sure all their electrical items were switched off to ensure no short circuits occurred that may lead to fires.