SANDAKAN, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Villagers living in areas bordering forest reserves in Sabah have been told not to carry out open burning in order to prevent forest fire.

Sabah Forestry Department deputy director Fidelis Edwin Bajau said this was because the El Nino phenomenon was expected to occur, causing hot weather and long bouts of drought.

He said the phenomenon could also cause a major forest fire like the one that occurred in 1983, which destroyed over 130ha of forest reserve land in the state.

At present, a forest reserve in Sipitang was reported to be on fire due to open burning at a plantation, he said in a statement today.

Hence, he said, preventive measures should be intensified with the cooperation of all quarters to ensure that the state's forest reserves would not be destroyed.

Fidelis also called on the Sustainable Forest Management Licence Agreement (SFMLA) holders to draw up a fire-prevention action plan in their areas.

"The plan should include intensive patrols in high-risk areas, ensuring the fire-fighting equipment are in working order, and preventing the forest reserves from being trespassed by poachers," he said.

Fidelis said legal action would be taken against those who carry out open burning to the extent of causing fire to the forests under Section 19 of the Sabah Forest Enactment 1968, which carries a jail term of up to seven years or a fine not exceeding RM100,000, or both, upon conviction.