KEPALA BATAS: The Housing and Local Government Ministry as well as the Fire and Rescue Department have enacted the National Fire And Rescue Policy 2021-2030 (Dasar Kebombaan dan Penyelamatan Negara (DKPN) 2021-2030).
The policy is to improve efficiency and professionalism through various strategic programmes and action plan involving all levels of the Keluarga Malaysia in facing future challenges.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he was confident that the policy would create a Keluarga Malaysia who are resilient-community and able to adapt the concept of citizen life savers in their daily lives, especially in facing with any emergencies or disasters.
"This policy involves the commitment of all quarters in forging strategic cooperation with the security industry as well as fire and rescue.
"This is important as we can open up a new dimension to the country's development and economic competitiveness," he said in his speech at the launch of the World International Firefighters Day 2022 celebration here today.
Present were Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican as well as Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid.
Elaborating, Ismail Sabri said the focus towards the aspect of fire protection will be undertaken through the use of the latest technology such as automation and robotic could increase confidence, not only among the Keluarga Malaysia, but also industry players and investors.
"I am optimistic that through this DKPN 2021-2030, all members of the Housing and Local Government Ministry, especially the Fire and Rescue Department, will manifest their commitment in realising the aspiration of a more dynamic and progressive fire and rescue delivery service," he added.
In his speech, Ismail Sabri also touched on the aspect of welfare, saying that the government had approved an application for Special Skill Allowance (Elaun Kemahiran Khas) to officers serving as trainers and educators at the Fire and Rescue Academy (Akademi Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (ABPM).
He said, although he initially received an application at a rate of RM300 for two incentives for trainers and educators, he felt the rate was unsuitable.
As such, he had instructed the Public Services Department to increase the allowance.
"Firstly, payment for Hazmat incentive will now involve a rate of RM30 for each operation (with a maximum of RM600 monthly), and secondly, the incentive payment for rescue in water will involve a rate of RM30 for each operation (with a maximum of RM600 monthly)
"Thirdly, the incentive payment for EMRS will now involve a prorated payment (with a maximum of RM150 monthly), and finally, the special driver allowance, also a prorated payment (with a maximum of RM150 monthly)
"The approval of the allowance will benefit 114 officers from Grade KB19 to KB38 who work as trainers and educators at the academy.
"It is hoped that with this approval, the trainers and educators will continue to increase their commitment and work quality towards producing a more quality and capable manpower," he added.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said as a responsible government which is sensitive to the development in the country's fire and rescue sector, various efforts have been taken to fulfil the commitment of the services towards Keluarga Malaysia.
"As such, the government had approved a development allocation under the Second Rolling Plan (RP2) 2022 worth RM132.4 million to the Fire and Rescue Department.
"This invoked the procurement of fire engines, utility vehicles, fire forensic vehicles, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and others to increase the efficiency of their department in facing any emergency.
"The government will also ensure that the fire and rescue services remain relevant to the people's needs in line with the increase in risks.
"As such, taking into account various other factors towards further modernising the department, the government is in the process of approving applications under the Third Rolling Plan (RP3) 2023," he said.