PETALING JAYA: A technical review of the Next Generation Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (NG MERS 999) system shows it is operating normally.
In a joint statement, the Communications and Health Ministries as well as Telekom Malaysia Bhd said they had received reports on issues related to ambulance services.
"Although the incident was isolated, the matter is taken seriously and addressed immediately because every emergency call involves lives and the well-being of the people," they said in a joint statement on Tuesday (Nov 18).
They also said the 999 voice call service remains fully operational and can be used as usual even after the rollout of the SaveMe999 app.
The Health Ministry said it continues to strengthen efforts to enhance field response through the addition of ambulances, restructuring of personnel deployment in strategic areas, as well as the involvement of volunteer bodies such as the Malaysian Red Crescent, St John Ambulans Malaysia and local non-governmental organisations.
"Continuous assessment of coordination capability and asset readiness is also being carried out with the relevant agencies
"The SaveMe999 app functions as an additional channel, particularly for users who require communication features via text, video, and multimedia, in line with efforts to improve the effectiveness and inclusiveness of the national emergency response.
"TM will continue to strengthen the capacity of the NG MERS 999 system and application, including related software and technical processes, to ensure smoother performance and operational experience for all emergency agencies," read the statement.
The SaveME999 app and new emergency call system became operational from on 16, jointly developed by Communications Ministry and Telekom Malaysia Bhd. It features the country's five main emergency agencies namely the Health Ministry, police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
This comes after claims of delays in ambulances arriving or even no-shows for victims with medical emergencies. Some also reported difficulties in getting through to the 999 number.
In July 2024, Telekom Malaysia Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary, TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd entered into a RM1.25bil concession agreement with the government to develop the system.
NG MERS999 is an integrated strategic digital system to enhance resource and data sharing between emergency call centres and related central agencies to improve the efficiency of emergency services.
NG MERS 999
