Fire Dept Keen To Learn From Russia’s Use Of AI, Robotics In Firefighting - Nor Hisham

PUTRAJAYA, June 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has expressed interest in deepening its collaboration with Russia’s Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM) to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in emergency response and firefighting operations.

Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad commended Russia’s technological advancements, particularly EMERCOM’s innovative use of AI in incident prediction incidents, resource management, and risk analysis. 

“We are very keen to learn from Russia’s advancements in deploying AI and robotics in fire and rescue work. EMERCOM’s use of AI to predict incidents, allocate resources efficiently, and analyse risks is especially relevant and inspiring to us.

“As we move forward with our digital transformation, beginning with our pioneering C4I - Command, Control, Communications,Computers and Intelligence - we are now looking into how we can make the most of smart systems, unmanned aerial vehicle, predictive modelling, and AI-powered surveillance for real-time monitoring in firefighting and disaster risk reduction,” he said.

Nor Hisham said this in his welcoming speech during a courtesy call by Russia’s EMERCOM Minister Colonel General Alexander Kurenkov at the JBPM headquarters here today.

Nor Hisham also highlighted the department’s interest in exploring advanced fire safety systems, particularly the potential application of Russian fire safety systems in Malaysia.

“One well-known brand already available is Pyrogen, which offers aerosol-based solutions such as the EXA Aerosol Fire Suppression System and the IPEX Impulse Powder Suppression System.

“We believe there is significant potential to explore in this area, especially when it comes to introducing new technologies and products that could help improve fire suppression systems and safety installations across the country,” he said.

Nor Hisham also reflected on the longstanding partnership between JBPM and Russia, which began in 1998 with the establishment of JBPM’s Air Division and the acquisition of two Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters. 

“Since then, these helicopters have played a vital role in our aerial fire fighting and search and rescue operations. When our Air Division was first established, we also sent our fire fighters to Russia for flight and aerial rescue training.

“Today, we have 29 trained pilots, 22 of whom are certified to operate two Mi-17 helicopters and two Mi-171,” he said.

-- BERNAMA