KUALA LUMPUR – Only 20% of the more than 15,000 firefighters and officers of the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) nationwide will be allowed to go on leave in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year.
JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said this is to ensure there is no disruption to the department’s services during this period.
“Even though interstate movement is not allowed, JBPM will continue with preparedness activities involving 322 stations nationwide. JBPM firefighters and officers will continue to patrol their respective areas in addition to continuing other general duties.
“This is because, even though the ban (on interstate travel) still exists, the public may carry out activities in the state, including recreation or earning a living, which clearly involves movement,” he told a press conference after presenting the JBPM 2020 Outstanding Service Award certificates to 79 firefighters and officers at the JBPM Cheras Quarters Complex here yesterday.
Hamdan said that JBPM firefighters and officers on duty during Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be allowed to take turns to go on leave at a later date.
“If there are firefighters and officers who want to apply for outstation duties, they still need to comply with standard operating procedures by obtaining approval from the police,” he said.
Asked if patrol activities would be carried out at hotspots along main highways in conjunction with the festival, he said the JBPM is still waiting for further instructions from the National Security Council. – Bernama, April 24, 2021
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