KPKT Aims To Elevate Fire And Rescue Department To International Standards

JOHOR BAHRU, May 9 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) aims to elevate the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) to international standards through stronger integrity, governance and asset readiness.

Minister Nga Kor Ming said the target was achievable, citing JBPM’s strong performance in recent years, including its receipt of the Gold Award at the 2024 Public Sector Integrity, Governance and Anti-Corruption Awards.

“This recognition proves that our firefighters are not only efficient in carrying out their duties, but also uphold high standards of integrity and governance.

“I am confident that with a renewed spirit in 2026, we can make the Fire and Rescue Department a centre of excellence in the country’s public service. Our 15,000 firefighters will serve as exemplary role models,” he told reporters after officiating at the National-Level World Firefighters Day 2026 celebration here today.

Also present were Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu and JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.

Nga said JBPM’s achievements were also reflected in its national average response time (NART) of 8.45 minutes last year, surpassing the target of 10 minutes.

He said the government has allocated RM1.3 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to ensure the department remains in a constant state of readiness.

JBPM also received 30 new Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) vehicles through a RM60 million procurement under a strategic cooperation initiative between Malaysia and China, he said.

Earlier in his speech, Nga said Budget 2026 allocated RM5 million for fire management and water rescue operations, as well as RM2.2 billion to upgrade housing facilities for civil servants, including RM10 million to repair fire department quarters nationwide.

“A total of RM437.2 million has been approved for new JBPM projects under the first rolling plan of the 13MP this year,” he said.

The projects include the procurement of 6,000 fire-resistant suits, which are currently in the final stage of the tender process, as well as repairs to fire stations and quarters nationwide.

-- BERNAMA