KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved 70 projects totalling RM1.09 billion for the Fire and Rescue Department as part of the 2025 Budget, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said today.
The funding was approved under the development provisions of the Fifth Rolling Plan for 2025, aimed at reducing the national average response time of the fire department.
For next year, the Fire and Rescue Department will implement 70 projects, which include 22 new initiatives costing RM391 million and the continuation of 48 projects totaling RM701 million.
"This plan includes the construction of six new fire stations, with an allocation of RM66.8 million," Nga said at a press conference following the launch of the Malaysia International Fire Conference and Exhibition (IFCEM).
The new fire stations will be located in Desa Petaling (Kuala Lumpur), Bandar Enstek, (Negri Sembilan), Engkelili (Sarawak), Dalat (Sarawak), Sepanggar (Sabah) and Kota Kemuning (Selangor).
Nga also said the Madani government is also concerned with the welfare of firefighters and as such is addressing housing issues in high-cost areas to ensure comfortable accommodation.
Quarters will constructed in Kota Kemuning, Paya Terubong and Labuan.
"A total of 250 residential units have been approved at a cost of RM174.1 million, involving 130 quarters units for Kota Kemuning fire station in Selangor, 48 quarters units in Paya Terubong fire station, Penang, and 72 quarters units in Labuan.
"In addition, the critical issue of replacing old vehicles has also been addressed, with the approval of 231 new vehicles at a cost of RM40 million," he said.
He added that this substantial allocation of RM1.09 billion demonstrates the government's commitment to making the fire department a world-class rescue team.
Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department Director-General Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad noted the significance of the funding, given that fire-related damages totaled RM2.6 billion last year.
"We are grateful to the government for recognising the importance of the fire and rescue service as a critical service.
"The locations we chose (for the fire stations) aren't necessarily high-risk fire zones, but they are intended to reduce response times, especially for road incidents as well. Previously, it could take up to two hours, but with this, we're looking to cut that down to under an hour in response time," he said.