Kuala lumpur: The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has identified the need to build 81 new fire and rescue stations nationwide based on fire risk assessments, in order to strengthen preparedness and improve the efficiency of fire service delivery. Its director-general, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohamad, stated that the JBPM currently operates 344 fire and rescue stations nationwide, while another 15 stations are under construction and are expected to be completed in stages over the next one to four years, depending on project complexity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department determined the need for new stations based on fire risk analysis for each 100-square-kilometre area, ensuring optimal firefighting operations. Of the 81 proposed new fire and rescue stations, four have been suggested for inclusion under the Second Rolling Plan (RP2) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), while the remaining 77 are still on the priority list, subject to financial capability and practicality of implementation. This information was shared with reporters following the opening of the Cheng Fire and Rescue Station, officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and attended by Ministry of Housing and Local Government secretary-general Datuk Dr M Noor Azman Taib.
Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohamad highlighted that the need for constructing fire and rescue stations will be dynamically reviewed in line with development progress in every state, including the opening of new industrial areas and transit-oriented development (TOD) projects, which have the potential to increase fire risks. In a related development, he announced that JBPM will advertise 522 vacancies this year, following approval from the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to fill 560 vacant positions. Of the total, 38 positions will be filled through the existing reserve list for senior posts, while the remaining 522 positions will be advertised this year.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf highlighted that the Melaka government will request the Federal Government to approve the construction of three more fire and rescue stations in Selandar, Simpang Ampat, and Kuala Linggi to strengthen security and accelerate emergency response times in the state. He emphasized the necessity of constructing a station in Kuala Linggi due to its location at the northernmost part of the state, where the closest existing stations are in Masjid Tanah and Port Dickson. The response time for firefighters to reach the area is about 20 to 30 minutes, which is why priority is being requested for this station to ensure better safety for residents. Additionally, the construction of the state's 11th fire and rescue station in Cheng cost RM4.4 million.