KUALA NERUS: The Fire and Rescue Department takes into account body mass index (BMI) as a key criterion for promotion, Excellent Service Awards and service medals for its personnel.
Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said this is to ensure that all personnel maintain an ideal weight and remain fit to perform their duties.
Currently, he said, a total of 1,406 personnel identified as having a BMI over 30 are being monitored through the 'Wellness Hub' programme for the past two months.
"This BMI will be the main criterion for three key areas: Excellent Service Awards, promotions, and medals.
"So whether you want it or not, they have to try their best to lower their BMI. At the same time, we monitor to ensure that the BMI and average age between stations are not significantly different.
"Each state director needs to plan to maintain the health levels of their officers and members, using it as a departmental benchmark," he said.
He said this after the 2024 the Fire and Rescue Department's 10's rugby championship at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail rugby stadium here yesterday.
Nor Hisham said the Wellness Hub programme implemented in 26 locations, has shown positive effects.
He is confident that changes in body weight and improved health can be seen in his officers and members within the next six months.
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