When contacted by FMT, Irshad pointed out that the northern states experienced a three-month dry spell every year and the lack of rain might have sparked the fires.

“This year, because of El Nino, we have not had proper rain for about three months.

“The island is very dry and very prone to fires. Anything could set it on fire, such as discarded cigarette stubs and broken glass.”

He admitted he was in the dark as to what caused the fires in Bukit Sawak but hoped the fire department’s forensic investigation will find out.

Earlier this month, climatologists and officials warned that the current heatwave may be as bad as the one experienced in 1997-8, with the sweltering heat expected to last until June.