KUALA LUMPUR: The Fire and Rescue Department is strengthening its operational and logistical capabilities through asset modernisation efforts and the exploration of new technologies, including Unmanned Remote Systems (URS) involving two Fire Fighting Robots (FFRs).
Fire and Rescue director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the move was crucial in ensuring the department remained prepared to deal with various emergencies, including fires, accidents, rescue operations and large-scale disasters.
He said the replacement of vehicles and equipment would be carried out in stages based on the age and operational capability of existing assets, including the acquisition of 80 Fire Rescue Tenders (FRTs).
According to him, the Fire and Rescue Department acquired 686 FRT units between 2001 and 2026, while the requirement based on operational norm stood at 592 units.
"Based on these figures, 372 of the 592 existing units (63%) have exceeded 10 years of service.
"As such, the procurement of 80 replacement FRT units and 150 existing CFRT (Compact Fire Rescue Tender) units is expected to have a tangible impact on the department's preparedness and operational capabilities and service delivery in the coming years," he told Bernama.
Besides replacing vehicles, Nor Hisham said the department was also focusing on improving response times, especially in areas that had yet to meet the stipulated targets, through the construction of new fire stations and the continuation of ongoing projects.
"In a bid to modernise our operational capabilities, the department also plans to acquire URS equipment involving two FFR units, in line with technological advancements to support firefighting and rescue operations.
"The provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly firefighting protective clothing, as well as the addition and replacement of basic rescue equipment, are also important requirements to ensure the safety of personnel while on duty," he added.
Nor Hisham said the department was also focusing on utility vehicles, logistics for its K9 Unit and operational facilities to support personnel mobility, especially during search and rescue operations and disaster management.
In terms of personnel welfare, the Fire and Rescue Department is focusing on the construction and maintenance of quarters, with total project costs amounting to RM241.6miln, including a ceiling allocation of RM35.1mil for 2027.
A total of RM16mil has also been allocated for facility maintenance, in addition to the approval of redevelopment and modernisation of ageing fire stations, namely the Fire and Rescue Stations in Perai, Jalan Perak, Jerantut, Muar and Sarikei.
Nor Hisham expects efforts to strengthen assets, facilities and personnel capabilities to improve asset reliability, departmental preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
In the long term, JBPM is open to exploring the use of electric vehicles (EVs) for FRTs and utility vehicles, with assessments to be conducted on operational suitability, travel distances, battery capacity, charging infrastructure, technical requirements and the total lifecycle cost of the assets.
To support these efforts, the government has approved a Development Expenditure (DE) allocation of RM1.8bil for the department under Budget 2027 to carry out 96 ongoing and new projects, comprising physical development, infrastructure and the procurement of vehicles and equipment, with a ceiling allocation of RM200mil for the year.
"This allocation is extremely important, particularly in meeting the need to replace FRTs, provide protective clothing and other firefighting and rescue equipment," he added.
On Saturday (Oct 24), Housing and Local Government Minsiter Nga Kor Ming announced the allocation of RM200mil under Budget 2027 to enhance firefighters' efficiency in carrying out rescue missions and preparedness for fire-related disasters. - Bernama
