KEPALA BATAS: Some 13,000 firemen in the country are set to receive a RM132mil boost in funding to deliver better services to the people.
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the allocation for the department's development was approved under the country's Second Rolling Plan 2022.
"We thank the 'red warriors' for their dedicated services to the people.
"They are applauded for their fast response in life and death situations. They are the first line of responders in many emergencies and disasters.
"This celebration is to recognise the dedication of over 13,000 firemen at 327 stations as well as 2,000 auxiliary firemen and 13,000 more voluntary firemen in the country," he said during the national-level World Firemen Day celebration at Dewan Milenium in Bertam here on Sunday (May 22).
Reezal added that last year, the department received 167,989 emergency cases, an increase of 34.83% from 2020.
"There was a total of RM1.76bil worth of losses while RM8.86bil of assets were saved.
"Among the emergencies were 35,902 fires, 84,449 rescues and 47,467 cases of special services," he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who was also present, then launched the National Fire and Rescue Policy 2021-2030 before a crowd of over 5,000 people.
The new policy puts focus on the country and community as a whole based on four cores - Safe Environment, Safe Practices and Culture, Inclusive Strategic Partnership, and Capacity and Ability Reinforcement.
Ismail Sabri said the allocation would allow the department to develop and acquire new machinery and vehicles as well as personal protective equipment and the latest software to deliver better services and handle emergencies.
He said there were currently 18 new stations being constructed and once completed, would deliver a major impact to reduce response time and instil better confidence in the department.
Also present was Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Abdul Wahid.
