BUTTERWORTH: Fire incidents in Penang have resulted in estimated losses of RM23.86mil so far this year, with authorities reporting a worrying number of false emergency calls that are straining operational resources.
Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) deputy director-general Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman said that while swift response operations continue to save substantial property value, misuse of emergency lines is affecting efficiency on the ground.
“Every call we receive is treated as an actual emergency. Our teams are dispatched immediately, even if it later turns out to be a false call,” he said after officiating the JBPM Penang Excellent Service Awards on Thursday (April 16).
He said JBPM Penang recorded 11 false emergency calls between January and March this year, warning that such incidents lead to unnecessary costs and could delay responses to real emergencies.
Ahmad Izram also noted that fluctuating global fuel prices, driven by geopolitical instability in West Asia, have further increased operational costs for rescue services.
JBPM Penang recorded 2,434 emergency calls during the same period, comprising 1,360 fire cases, 927 rescue operations and 136 special tasks. Despite the losses, firefighters saved an estimated RM45.07mil worth of property.
He also highlighted an increase in open burning incidents earlier this year, attributed to extreme hot weather reaching 38°C since January.
“A total of 121 forest fire cases were recorded, followed by 546 bushfire incidents and 10 cases involving farms and plantations,” he said. He added that the situation is expected to improve with increased rainfall in northern states.
On fire safety enforcement, Ahmad Izram said 633 premises hold valid Fire Certificates, while 227 remain non-compliant. Inspections as of March resulted in 141 notices for various violations.
