Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming stated that the Fire and Rescue Department is expected to receive three new Augusta Westland AW139 helicopters next year to enhance rescue capabilities, especially in inland areas.
He emphasized that the procurement of these new assets is a strategic move to strengthen the preparedness and effectiveness of firefighting operations.
“I hope to receive them this year, depending on the manufacturer, but we will prioritize the focus on firefighting... The Augusta Westland AW139 helicopters have proven to be the most efficient model.
“In terms of asset procurement, the Prosperous Government places great emphasis on firefighting preparedness. As a result, the Ministry of Housing has allocated approximately 220 million ringgits to continue providing and procuring new assets.”
He made these statements during a press conference after launching the Ops Siaga Raya for Chinese New Year preparations today. Among the attendees was the Director of the Fire and Rescue Department, Dato’ Nor Hisham.
Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming today urged the public to take preventive measures during the festive season and to remain vigilant for a safe and joyous Chinese New Year.
He noted that the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department has established five major guidelines this year to reduce incidents of fires and drownings, including education, strict enforcement, prevention, continuous monitoring, and strategic cooperation.
“These include the correct use of fire extinguishers and turning off all power sources before returning home.”
Nga Kor Ming revealed, “In 2023, the value of assets damaged by fire in our country was as high as 2.63 billion ringgits, successfully reduced to 1.5 billion ringgits last year; the number of drowning cases in 2023 was 335, reduced to 279 in 2024. All cases show a decreasing trend under the standby of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department.”
“Last year, during the Chinese New Year period, there were as many as 2204 fire incidents, and this number must decrease this year.”
70% of Firefighters' Leave Frozen, Ready at All Times
Nga Kor Ming stated that during this Chinese New Year, 70% of firefighters nationwide will have their leave frozen and will be on standby in preventive measures.
Nga Kor Ming stated that during this Chinese New Year, 70% of firefighters nationwide will have their leave frozen and will be on standby in preventive measures.
He revealed that the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department expects to add 15 more voluntary fire brigades and 50 community fire brigades this year to achieve quicker response times and reduce disasters.
“Currently, the average response time for the national Fire and Rescue Department is 8 minutes.”
“Voluntary fire brigades and community fire brigades act as the frontline in many areas, playing a crucial role in locations where the fire brigade cannot arrive immediately, and their contribution to reducing response times is commendable.”
Nga Kor Ming encouraged more members of society to participate in the voluntary fire brigades and community fire brigades to contribute to safeguarding the community from disasters.
To ensure the welfare of voluntary fire brigades, their annual allowance has tripled from 1,500 ringgits in 2022 to 5,000 ringgits over the past three years.
When asked about the Body Mass Index (BMI) of firefighters, Nga Kor Ming said the Fire and Rescue Department continues to mantain a BMI cap of 30 as a major standard for promotion evaluation.
However, he did not rule out discussions with Nor Hisham to explore a new BMI level, similar to the police's initiative of implementing a BMI of under 28 next year for promotion eligibility.
Additionally, Nga Kor Ming stated that Malaysia and China have jointly submitted a nomination to UNESCO for the recognition of lion and dragon dance as intangible cultural heritage.
The technically skilled high-pole lion dance performance attracted tourists around the KLCC area in Kuala Lumpur, making the atmosphere vibrant. Attendees of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department's 2025 Chinese New Year preparations (Ops Siaga Raya) included the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Housing Dato’ Wira Nor Azman, Senior General Manager of KLCC Ikhwan, Director of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department Dato’ Nor Hisham, and several ministry officials.