KEPALA BATAS – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced the Second Rolling Plan 2022 development allocation of RM132.4 million to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department to improve the preparedness and welfare of its members.
Ismail Sabri said the allocation involved the procurement of fire engines, utility vehicles, fire forensic vehicles, personal protective equipment as well as fire monitoring software systems to enhance the department’s effectiveness in dealing with emergencies.
“I also understand that there are 18 fire station construction projects and, when completed, it will have a big impact on reducing the action time, thus increasing the confidence of Malaysian families in the readiness of the Fire and Rescue Department.
“The government has also approved the physical project of the fire facility which is currently in the process of implementation, namely the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department Headquarters, Subang Main Operating Base, Selangor and Goh Tong Jaya Fire Quarters and Station in Genting Highlands, Pahang.
“I am confident that these three projects are able to plan the optimal impact in terms of administration, operation and welfare of members,” he said when addressing the 2022 World Firefighters’ Day celebration here today.
Also present were Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, and Fire and Rescue Department Director-General Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid.
This is Ismail Sabri's first official visit to Penang after he was appointed as the country’s ninth prime minister in August last year.
Ismail Sabri said that the government would also ensure that fire and rescue services remain relevant to the needs of the people in line with the current increasing risks.
Taking into account the factors of empowerment and modernisation of fire assets, he said the government is currently in the process of considering the approval of the Third Rolling Plan 2023, apart from approving the application to extend the payment of special skills allowance to officers working as trainers and instructors at fire academies.
“Although at the initial stage we received an application with a rate of RM300 for two incentives for coaches and instructors, I think the rate is not appropriate and I have instructed the Public Service Department to increase the total allowances for coaches and instructors.”
He said this involves the Hazmat incentive payment involving a payment rate of RM30 for each operation, with a maximum of RM600 per month as well as the water rescue incentive payment involving a payment rate of RM30 for each operation and a maximum of RM600 per month.
Besides that, the allowance rate was also increased involving the emergency treatment incentive payment with a maximum pro rata rate of RM150 per month and the driver special responsibility allowance payment involving a maximum pro rata payment rate of RM150 per month.
“The approval of this allowance will benefit 114 fire officers from Grade KB19 to KB38 who work as coaches and instructors in five fire academies.
“It is hoped that with this approval, the coaches and instructors with these special skills will continue to increase their commitment and quality of work towards producing quality and competent human capital,” Ismail Sabri said. – The Vibes, May 22, 2022
