PUTRAJAYA: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has issued a stern warning against corruption and abuse of power, stressing that it has structured plans and mechanisms in place to address misconduct and integrity issues within its ranks.
Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohamad said corruption cases involving department personnel would be referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), while other forms of misconduct would be dealt with through disciplinary action.
"Any case involving corruption will be referred to the MACC, while other forms of misconduct will be addressed through disciplinary action based on the seriousness of the offence," he told a press conference after the department's annual assembly here on Friday (Jan 30).
Nor Hisham said the department took integrity breaches seriously and would not compromise on enforcement, adding that clear procedures had been established to ensure prompt action against offenders.
"We do not want cases involving misconduct or discipline to drag on for years. When action is taken quickly, it sends a clear message that the department is serious," he said.
He added that the department had also dealt with various forms of internal misconduct, including gangsterism and the misuse of personal bank accounts by personnel.
Such matters were investigated and dealt with according to existing disciplinary regulations, he said.
"The action taken would depend on the findings of investigations and the level of involvement.
"The department will not protect those found to have breached the rules or tarnished the image of the service," he added.
Separately, Nor Hisham said the department was also strengthening its organisational values through the introduction of the "Kita Bomba" aspiration, which is anchored on the Bomba principles Brave, Ombudsman (Integrity), Merit, Bold Brand and Achievement.
"The concept of Kita (we) reflects our shared identity and sense of togetherness, while the Bomba principles form the foundation of how we work, make decisions and uphold integrity," he said.
Nor Hisham also reminded officers that positions in public service were entrusted to the holders by the people and the nation.
"Positions held by public servants are an amanah (trust) of the people and the country. Any abuse of power, corruption or protection of corrupt practices is a betrayal of that trust," he said in his annual address.
