By Zaidul Khair bin Jungkim
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KENINGAU: August 19, 2026– Keningau has recorded 14 consecutive days without rain up to August 17, 2026, thus meeting the criteria for a ban on open burning.
The latest notification from the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) lists Keningau among areas experiencing dry weather exceeding seven consecutive days.
This condition is categorised as high risk for open fires, including haze.
Besides Keningau, Pitas also recorded 14 days without rain, followed by Kota Belud and Ranau with 13 days each.
Papar, Kota Marudu, and Kota Kinabalu recorded 12 days without rain.
In the same notification, JBPM reminded that open burning is prohibited during prolonged dry weather conditions.
The prohibition covers the burning of rubbish and waste in open areas, subject to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) and the Environmental Quality (Open Burning) Rules 2003.
Source: Keningau Fire and Rescue Station

