Plaza angsana: The K9 Tracker Dog Unit of the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has welcomed a new 'member' after its Labrador, Lottie, gave birth to a male puppy on March 18. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that the puppy has been named 'Brave', signifying hopes for him to become a courageous and resilient asset in rescue operations. The announcement was made during the launch of the World Firefighters' Day Carnival 2026, themed 'Bomba Tonggak Penyelamatan Negara', held at Plaza Angsana.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event was attended by Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu and JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad. Minister Nga emphasized the current need for the K9 unit, noting that JBPM has only 34 tracker dogs, whereas 90 are required for optimal operation. In response, the MADANI Government has approved RM2.4 million to procure 16 new tracker dogs from the United Kingdom.

Furthering plans to enhance the K9 unit, Nga revealed a strategic measure to establish a K9 Operations Centre in Bertam, Penang. This centre aims to implement a domestic breeding programme to ensure self-sufficiency and long-term operational capability.

The World Firefighters' Day 2026 celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of the department, features a static parade with 550 participants and 50 fire engines and vehicles, including several from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.