Kuala lumpur: The country’s new emergency call system, the Next Generation Emergency Services (NG999), begins operations today, replacing the Malaysian Emergency Responses 999 (MERS999) system. The transition marks a significant step forward in improving the efficiency of emergency services across the nation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, text messages were sent to the public yesterday, urging them to download the SaveME999 application from the AppStore or Google Play. This app is designed to facilitate accurate and prompt transmission of emergency information, ensuring that help can be dispatched more effectively. The public is reminded through the SMS to “please avoid misuse of the emergency line.”

NG999 represents an integrated strategic digital system aimed at enhancing resource and data sharing between emergency call centers and related central agencies. This integration is expected to significantly boost the efficiency of emergency services.

On July 1 of last year, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted the new system’s capabilities. She noted that NG999 integrates web-based digital mapping, caller ID, geolocation services, artificial intelligence technology, and mobile smart applications into emergency incident management. These advancements are anticipated to provide more efficient assistance nationwide.

Teo further mentioned that the NG999 system has been expanded to over 800 locations across the country. This expansion is a twofold increase compared to the number of locations serviced under the previous MERS999 system.