Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) emergency and rescue squads are now operating from a new RM8.3mil building in Jalan Cheras.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, when launching the building, also announced a RM30,000 allocation each to both squads.
In her address, Yeoh commended personnel from both squads for their often unseen sacrifices.
She said their service carried immense value for society and the nation.
“This duty is no ordinary one. It requires courage, discipline and a readiness to serve regardless of time or circumstance.”
She said the additional allocations were meant for food and drinks.
It is aimed at providing some comfort while personnel are on duty at night or during deployment.
“The usual allocation only covers drinking water.
“But with this allocation, you will be able to top it up with additional food and drinks while on duty,” said the minister.
“This allocation will be channelled to DBKL.
“I want to make sure that while you are looking after the welfare and safety of city residents, your own safety, comfort and well-being are also taken care of,” said Yeoh.
Megat Muhamad Anas, who has served with the Emergency Squad (ES) for the past 25 years, said the allocation would boost their morale.
Muhammad Saful Saleh, who has served with the ES for 27 years, said he was looking forward to using the facilities in the new building.
These include a gym with new equipment, as well as locker and shower rooms.
“The new place will offer us much more comfort compared with the old building, which dates back to the 1960s.
“There were never enough washrooms to accommodate everyone before.
“Now we have 14 shower compartments on the second level alone, plus two toilets on each floor,” said Muhammad Saful.
The new three-storey building will also house staff from two other DBKL departments.
They are the Landscape and Recreation Development Department and the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, who was also present at the ceremony, said the ES maintained strategic cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department and the Civil Defence Force.
This was to ensure every emergency incident could be handled in a coordinated and effective manner, he said.
“Throughout 2025, a total of 2,254 complaints were successfully handled.
“Cases involving fallen trees and broken branches made up the highest number at 1,781.
“From January to April 2026, a total of 732 complaints were received involving various categories of emergencies,” he added.
Established in 1965, the ES was formerly known as the Emergency Unit under the Urban Services Department.
It is now placed under the environmental division of the Health and Environment Department. The squad has a team of 59 personnel.
Among its main functions are handling cases involving fallen trees and broken branches, bee and hornet nests, oil spills on public roads, wild animals, fallen signboards, potholes, open manholes and obstructions on public pathways.
The Rescue Squad (RS) is a separate division under the Enforcement Department.
Formed in 1991, it has about 60 personnel.
Their duties include providing assistance during disasters such as flash floods, sinkholes, accidents and fires.
The hotline for RS is 03-4010 6337 and 03-9248 3434 for ES.
