RM60 million fire engine fleet boosts national preparedness

Amid the bustle of IOI City Mall, where a lion dance performance drew festive crowds, a different spectacle commanded attention this week. Thirty gleaming Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) engines rolled into view, their vivid red finish symbolising not just new machinery, but a strategic turning point for Malaysia’s emergency response system.

Valued at RM60 million, the fleet handover ceremony, officiated by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, marked a significant milestone in the government’s long-term effort to modernise the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM). Staged in a public setting, the event reinforced the message that emergency preparedness is a national priority, closely connected to everyday community life.

Leadership driving organisational reform

At the centre of this transformation is JBPM Director-General Dato’ Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, whose tenure has been defined by a push for professionalism, accountability and operational readiness. Under his leadership, the department has embraced the Kita Bomba aspiration, built on values of bravery, integrity and merit, while steering JBPM towards a more self-regulated and proactive fire safety framework.

His role in securing the new fleet was particularly significant, with negotiations focused on replacing ageing and dilapidated machinery that had long strained frontline operations. The outcome ensures that more than 12,000 JBPM personnel nationwide are better equipped to meet increasingly complex emergency demands, from urban fires to large-scale rescue operations.

Community and volunteers at the forefront

The ceremony also highlighted the importance of community-based safety networks. Volunteer Firefighters and Community Fire Units from across Selangor were present, reflecting their critical role as first responders within neighbourhoods. While the RM60 million fleet provides the heavy operational capability, these grassroots units remain the earliest line of defence during emergencies.

Their participation underscored a collaborative model of public safety, where modern equipment and community vigilance operate hand in hand. Seeing the new engines firsthand offered reassurance that volunteer teams will be backed by faster, more capable support during major incidents.

High-performance assets ahead of festive season

The new fleet comprises Sitrak C5H 330 models, secured through bilateral engagement between Malaysia and China. Each vehicle is equipped with an 8,000-litre water tank for operations in areas without hydrants, alongside specialised tools for road accidents and urban search-and-rescue missions. Distribution will prioritise states such as Johor, Selangor and Perak, replacing vehicles that have been in service for over two decades.

The timing aligns with the launch of Ops Siaga Raya 2026 ahead of the upcoming double festive season. With 80 per cent of staff leave frozen, the new FRTs will be deployed immediately to high-risk zones, supporting efforts to curb property losses that reached RM2.24 billion last year. Public cooperation remains crucial, particularly in keeping emergency routes clear, avoiding misuse of emergency services, and practising fire safety at home during celebrations.