Johor govt urges safe religious rites as dry spell raises fire risk

The Johor government has urged devotees to conduct religious rituals involving fire safely and responsibly due to heightened risks caused by hot, dry conditions. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon reminded the public of the state's respect for cultural and religious practices while committing to preserving Johor's harmony.

The issue gained attention during the Hungry Ghost Festival, when joss paper and other offerings are traditionally burned as part of religious observances, though no direct links have been established between these practices and recent fires. Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Siti Rohani Nadir said firefighters had seen traces of burnt prayer papers at the scenes of some recent open fires, but there were no statistics or technical findings directly linking the practice to the fires.

Authorities have stressed that open flames must be carefully controlled, particularly during periods of heightened fire risk, under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

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