GEORGE TOWN: It is going to be a very hot Chinese New Year in Penang with no rain expected until the end of March.

       State environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said while it could drizzle during this period, he ruled out any heavy rain.

       “People should refrain from playing with fireworks during this period as this could easily lead to fires if we are not careful,” he advised.

       Phee said the state government had been receiving reports of bush fires almost every day due to the scorching heat.

       “If you see smoke coming from any open field or building, you should immediately alert the Fire and Rescue Department. The public should play its role to help prevent any open burning cases,” he added.

       Phee urged those out celebrating the festive season during this period, especially the elderly and children, to drink more water to prevent themselves from getting dehydrated.

       Recently, the Environment Department said there had been an increase of fire incidents associated with the hot and dry weather, with 19,099 open burning complaints between January 2019 and January 2022.

       The department also said that Malaysia normally experienced a hot and dry spell from the middle of January to March due to the second phase of the north-east monsoon.