JBPM Encourages Student Corps Members To Serve As Auxiliary Firefighters

BATU PAHAT, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is encouraging members of the Student Corps Auxiliary Firefighter (PBBKS) to continue serving after graduating by joining the Auxiliary Firefighter (PBB) corps, thereby expanding the pool of people equipped with skills to respond to emergencies and fires at an early stage. 

JBPM deputy director-general (Development) Datuk Nazili Mahmood said there are currently 2,117 PBB personnel serving on a part-time basis at fire and rescue stations nationwide, with the number expected to continue increasing. 

He said since the PBBKS was established in 2016, some members have continued serving as PBB personnel at fire and rescue stations near their homes after completing their studies. 

“We hope they will continue to be the backbone of the team by acting as the first responders to emergencies or fires at the initial stage, before the arrival of on-duty firefighters. 

“That is why we train them to have basic knowledge, skills, and awareness of fire safety and emergency assistance,” he told reporters after Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia’s (UTHM) PBBKS 2026 Passing-Out Parade and Certification Ceremony here today. 

Nazili said apart from joining the PBB corps, former PBBKS members working in the public or private sectors could also utilise their skills by joining the Emergency Response Team (ERT) at their respective workplaces. 

He said efforts to develop a fire-safety-conscious community begin as early as five years old through the Young Firefighters Club (KBoC), before continuing through the Junior Firefighters programme in primary schools and the Fire and Rescue Cadet programme in secondary schools. 

The programme is subsequently continued through the Fire Brigade for diploma students and PBBKS, which is currently implemented at 12 public universities. 

“The development of this learning framework and co-curricular programmes is on par with international systems and standards fostered and adopted by Fire Safety Education instructors in developed countries,” he said. 

Meanwhile, UTHM PBBKS 2026 Best Overall Trainee Sitty Aishah Mohd Zahari said she is determined to join the fire and rescue service after completing her studies, and will encourage her two younger siblings, who are still attending school in Perak, to join uniformed bodies. 

“The award as the best PBBKS trainee has also motivated me to continue succeeding in whatever field I pursue in the future,” she said. 

A total of 67 UTHM PBBKS members were certified at today’s ceremony after completing 120 hours of firefighting training. 

-- BERNAMA