Bomba aims for full staffing of specialised units nationwide by 2027

KUCHING (April 1): The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) aims to achieve full staffing of its specialised response units nationwide by 2027 as part of efforts to strengthen operational readiness amid increasingly complex emergencies.

Bomba Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department is committed to filling remaining vacancies across several specialised teams to ensure optimal preparedness.

“Starting this year until 2027, the department is committed to achieving full staffing for its specialised teams,” he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Director-General (Operations) Dato Ir Ts Ahmad Izram Osman during the Bomba Sarawak Excellent Service Award Ceremony held at Dewan Majma Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah here.

He explained that strengthening these teams would ensure they remain highly capable, focused, and relevant to evolving operational demands.

“By doing so, we can ensure readiness remains at an optimum level while reinforcing the specialised functions or niche of each team so that they are more focused, highly capable and relevant to current operational needs and increasingly complex firefighting challenges,” he said.

Nor Hisham revealed that the Hazardous Materials as well as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (Hazmat and CBRNE) unit currently has 510 personnel, representing 91 per cent of its 561 positions, leaving 51 vacancies.

The Water Rescue Team (PPDA), meanwhile, has filled 615 positions, or 66 per cent of its 935 posts, with 320 vacancies remaining.

“In addition, 100 new personnel are currently undergoing certification and will soon be deployed to relevant fire stations,” he said.

For the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), he said there are still 327 vacancies, or 18 per cent, out of 1,782 positions nationwide.

The Rapid Intervention Motorcycle (RIM) unit has 23 vacancies, representing seven per cent of its 315 positions.

The K9 detection unit also has several openings, including one vacancy each in Sarawak and Sabah.

“God willing, the department expects full staffing for these specialised teams to be completed by next year,” he added.

He also highlighted efforts to strengthen firefighting capabilities through improved equipment and vehicles.

Bomba has distributed 30 Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) units and 40 Light Operations Vehicles (LOV) to states across Malaysia.

Another 160 LOV units are expected, with Sarawak set to receive the largest allocation of 25 vehicles.

“Providing adequate operational vehicles is essential to ensure fast and effective response during emergencies,” he said.

The department has also begun procuring 6,000 sets of Fire Resistance Suits (FRS), which will be supplied in stages until 2027.

Nor Hisham emphasised that high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) meeting international standards is crucial for firefighter safety.

Beyond operations, he said improving firefighters’ welfare remains a priority.

The federal government has approved RM10 million under the 2026 Budget for maintenance of fire department quarters nationwide.

The allocation will fund 107 projects involving 1,545 quarters, including 169 units in Sarawak.

“We have also applied for an additional RM10 million from the Ministry of Finance and hope that it will be approved so the initiative can be implemented more comprehensively,” he said.

An additional RM10 million from the Firefighters Welfare Fund (KWKB) has been channelled to enhance welfare facilities such as sports, recreation, and safety amenities at fire stations.

Nor Hisham also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by firefighters in Sarawak, where operations often require navigating rivers, forests and difficult terrain.

“However, terrain and geographical challenges are not obstacles. Instead, they serve as motivation for our firefighters to carry out rescue duties with courage and dedication,” he said.

A total of 96 Bomba Sarawak personnel received the Excellent Service Award during the ceremony.