MELAKA, June 29 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has identified the need to build 81 new fire and rescue stations nationwide based on fire risk assessments, in order to strengthen preparedness and improve the efficiency of fire service delivery.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohamad said they currently operate 344 fire and rescue stations nationwide, while another 15 stations are under construction and are expected to be completed in stages in the next one to four years, depending on project complexity.
JBPM determined the need for new stations based on fire risk analysis for each 100-square-kilometre area, thus ensuring firefighting operations can be carried out optimally.
"Of the 81 proposed new fire and rescue stations, four have been suggested to be included under the Second Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan, while the remaining 77 are still on the priority list, subject to financial capability and practicality of implementation,” he said.
Hisham was speaking to the media after attending the opening of the Cheng Fire and Rescue Station, officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and attended by Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk M Noor Azman Taib.
The need for the construction of fire and rescue stations will be dynamically reviewed in accordance with the progress of development in each state, including the opening of new industrial areas and transit-oriented development projects, which have the potential to increase fire risks.
In a related development, he said JBPM will advertise 522 vacancies this year, following approval from the Public Service Department and the Finance Ministry to fill up 560 vacant positions.
Of the total, 38 positions will be filled through the existing reserve list for senior posts, while the remaining 522 positions will be advertised this year.
Meanwhile, Rauf said the Melaka government will ask the federal government to approve the construction of three more fire and rescue stations in Selandar, Simpang Ampat, and Kuala Linggi to strengthen security and accelerate emergency response times in the state.
The construction of fire and rescue stations, especially in Kuala Linggi, is necessary because it is located in the northernmost part of the state, with the closest existing fire and rescue stations in Masjid Tanah and Port Dickson.
"The response time for firefighters to reach the area is about 20 to 30 minutes; that is why we ask that the fire and rescue station in Kuala Linggi be given priority to ensure the residents’ safety is better safeguarded,” he said, adding that it cost RM4.4 million to build the state's 11th fire and rescue station in Cheng.
