Paw patrol: Members of the K9 squad strutting their stuff at the national-level International Firefighters Day 2023 celebration at Dataran Pahlawan in Banda Hilir yesterday. — Bernama
MELAKA: The government will take a comprehensive look at the proposed restructuring of the Fire and Rescue Department, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Local Government Development Minister said this would be carried out in phases involving the upgrading of staff, filling existing positions, and increasing the number of Fire and Rescue personnel.
He said there are over 15,000 personnel compared with 33.57 million Malaysians, or one for every 2,238 Malaysians.
The department also receives more than 100,000 emergency calls annually, he added.
Ng said the restructuring would include the welfare of personnel in terms of salaries and related allowances.
“I believe the department and the Human Resources Division of the ministry are reviewing this proposal paper before we take it to the Public Service Department for consideration and approval,” he said while speaking in conjunction with the national-level International Firefighters Day 2023 celebration that was officiated by Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam at Dataran Pahlawan here yesterday.
Also present was senior executive councillor for housing, local government, drainage, climate change and disaster management Datuk Rais Yasin.
Meanwhile, Nga said the government had allocated RM206.64mil in Budget 2023 to empower the department including RM46.51mil for the acquisition of equipment and supplies to increase its efficiency and level of preparedness.
He said this was almost a fivefold increase compared with 2022.
“I am pleased to announce that RM18.2mil (worth of) allocations have been approved for the procurement of firefighting equipment and 12 detection dogs, and RM129.93mil for the construction of new department buildings nationwide and upgrading standby rooms in existing fire stations as well as maintenance of buildings and fire engines,” he said.
International Firefighters Day, which falls on May 4, commemorates and honours the sacrifices and services provided by firefighters around the world.
A total of 30 contingents and 1,330 firemen participated in the parade yesterday. — Bernama
