Sabah Fire Dept issues stern warning as eight areas hit by 12‑day dry spell

Eight areas across seven districts in Sabah are experiencing a prolonged dry spell, with between 12 and 14 consecutive days without rain recorded as of yesterday. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

First Published: Tuesday, 18 Aug 2026 6:39 PM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 18 — Eight areas across seven districts in Sabah are experiencing a prolonged dry spell, with between 12 and 14 consecutive days without rain recorded as of yesterday.

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohd Pisar Aziz said areas that had gone without rain for more than a week were categorised as being at high risk of fires and haze.

“Therefore, the Fire and Rescue Department is issuing a stern warning to the public against carrying out any open burning that could further worsen the current dry conditions,” he said in a statement today.

He said Keningau and Pitas recorded the longest dry spell, at 14 consecutive days, followed by the Wario Livestock Centre in Kota Belud and Ranau Station, at 13 days each.

He added that four other locations — the Kimanis Agriculture Office in Papar, Laban Rata at Mount Kinabalu in Ranau, Serinsim Sub-Station in Kota Marudu and Kota Kinabalu Station — had recorded 12 consecutive days without rainfall.

Mohd Pisar also stressed that those found carrying out open burning could face legal action or hefty fines under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127). — Bernama