PETALING JAYA: The Next Generation Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (NG MERS 999) system is operating normally, authorities say.
After conducting a technical review on the newly-launched emergency response system, the Communications and Health ministries as well as Telekom Malaysia Bhd said they have received reports on issues related to ambulance services.
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“Although the incident was isolated, the matter was taken seriously and addressed immediately because every emergency call involves lives and the well-being of the people,” they said in a joint statement yesterday.
Despite the roll-out of the new app, the old 999 voice call service also remains fully operational, the agencies confirmed.
The Health Ministry has also continued to strengthen efforts to enhance field response through the addition of ambulances, restructuring of personnel deployment in strategic areas and involvement of volunteer bodies like the Malaysian Red Crescent, St John Ambulance Malaysia and local NGOs.
“Continuous assessment of coordination capability and asset readiness is also being carried out,” they said.
“The SaveME999 application 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 app, including related software and technical processes,” the statement added.
The system, which became operational from Nov 16 via the SaveME999 app was developed through strategic collaboration between the Communications Ministry and Telekom Malaysia Bhd.
It features the country’s five main emergency agencies namely the Health Ministry, the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
The joint statement was issued after complaints of delays – and even no-shows – in ambulance services.
Some users have also reported difficulties in getting a response when they called 999.
NG MERS 999 is an integrated strategic digital system that was supposed to enhance resource and data sharing between emergency call centres and related central agencies, thereby improving the efficiency of emergency services.
