SEREMBAN: The Fire and Rescue Department's K9 Dog Detection Unit will receive 16 new canines from the United Kingdom this year, costing RM2.4mil.
Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the additional dogs will complement the existing 20 across the country.
"Half of the current trained dogs are over 12 years old, compared to the recommended eight to 10 years.
"The initial selection process for 20 dogs has already been completed in the United Kingdom. So in June, we will send three of our officers to work alongside trainers there.
"From the 20, they will reduce it to the number we want, which is 16. If any of the selected puppies are not suitable at that time, they will look for others, so the process will take place in three months," he told reporters after attending the Negri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department Aidilfitri celebration on Monday (April 21) night.
Nor Hisham said the dogs include breeds such as the English Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever, which are more suited to Malaysia's tropical climate and have more effective specialised functions.
He stated that there are four specialised disciplines for K9 dogs: Wilderness Search and Rescue, Fire Forensics, Water Cadaver Detection and Urban Search and Rescue.
"If there are no obstacles, some of the 16 dogs will be trained in Malaysia and we will conduct internal training with Genting World Berhad for other classes," he said.
Meanwhile, Nor Hisham said 30 new fire engine units worth RM45mil, will be received in the next six months to replace old engines through a disposal and replacement process. – Bernama
