JBPM Seeks Urgent Repair Funding In Budget 2026 For Fire Stations, Quarters

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) hopes the 2026 Budget, to be tabled this afternoon, will prioritise funding for the maintenance of fire stations and quarters that are in poor condition and require urgent repairs.

Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department has formally requested a substantial allocation from the Ministry of Finance to ensure fire facilities remain in optimal condition for effective rescue operations

“We are seeking funding for two main initiatives. The first is for the maintenance of our fire stations and quarters, which are in urgent need of repairs. A significant allocation is required to carry out these works,” he said after the September Monthly Assembly here today.

In addition to maintenance, JBPM has also requested extra funding to enhance the management of Volunteer Firefighter units, specifically to reach the target of establishing 500 teams nationwide, as outlined in the National Fire and Rescue Policy 2021.

Nor Hisham further requested that the protection packages under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) be extended to both volunteer firefighters and auxiliary firefighters, ensuring their safety while performing official duties.

Currently, there are 8,900 volunteer firefighters and 2,280 auxiliary firefighters under JBPM's supervision.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, will table the 2026 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat at 4 pm today.

This will be the fourth budget tabled by the MADANI government and the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan, serving as a key framework for the nation’s development over the next five years.

-- BERNAMA