Time to use artificial intelligence technology
26 January 2023
Published by: https://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA – LETTERS: In March 2021, several forest areas in Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin were reported to be on fire due to prolonged hot weather.
The Fire and Rescue Department reportedly took nearly a week to extinguish the fire, employing 200 personnel during the operation.
A study shows that active mapping of burned areas is the most important element in determining the spread and risk of forest fires. The method can also be used to simulate the movement and intensity of the fire.
Active mapping of the burned areas requires field observations, image processing, database development and map classification.
The results of this mapping process can then be used as a guide and early-warning system for forest fire management.
For now, the process of producing an observational map of the burned areas in Malaysia is done either using drones or satellite technology. However, the mapping process is done manually, which will take at least two days to map an area of 600 km2.
Furthermore, manual mapping is prone to inconsistency and wrong classification, which result in less accurate burned area maps.
Alternatively, local authorities may consider the automated mapping of burned areas through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. AI technology can also produce the mapping of burned areas and hot spots accurately and consistently.
With AI technology, the authorities can measure the spread of burned areas to make better decisions regarding forest fire prevention.
In general, the likelihood of forest fires or bushfires is closely related to location and environment.
For example, peat swamp forest areas are more flammable, and they spread quickly compared with other forest areas. Based on this situation, accurate and consistent information is crucial in planning the most effective strategies for forest fire prevention and mitigation.
For the record, developed countries that frequently face forest fire disasters are using AI technology.
In Australia, the San Francisco-based Pano AI Company offers a fully integrated active bushfire detection solution using satellites, and its AI technology had been subscribed to by the Australian government until the end of 2022.
This technology detects burning and burned areas quickly, assisting authorities in detecting and locating fires before they spread and pose a threat to the community and the environment.
In addition, this technology is also able to map repetitive forest fire disasters using previously recorded data and patterns.
In this regard, AI-based forest-fire mapping is seen as an effective technology to prevent forest fires and should be implemented in Malaysia, as it can help to identify and detect fires quickly and accurately.
At the same time, this does not mean that there is no role to be played by the majority of our community in preventing forest fire disasters.
Remember that every individual or company should be aware of the forest-fire threat, especially during the dry season, by not deliberately burning any forest area without authorities’ approval.
According to the Environmental Quality Act 1974, a first-time forest fire offender can be charged with a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.
Therefore, let’s take care of our forests and environment for the sake of our future generations.
