Plans for RM200 million air bases nationwide underway for enhanced emergency response

PASIR GUDANG: The Fire and Rescue Department is set to build air bases costing RM200 million in the southern, east coast, as well as Sabah and Sarawak regions.

Its director-general, Datuk Seri Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin said the current plan is in the process of identifying suitable locations for the airbases.

"The airbases will be equipped with administrative offices, hangars, and helipads.

"The estimated cost to develop each airbase is RM50 million. Therefore, the plan to build four airbases cost RM200 million," he said after the department's 2022 Excellent Service Award ceremony, held at Tanjung Puteri Golf Resort, near here, today.

Abdul Wahab said construction of the airbases in the southern region is a priority due to the state's significant oil and gas industry in Pengerang.

"We hope that the state government can assist in identifying a suitable site in Senai for the airbase," he said.

He added Johor was made a priority, not only because it is flood-prone but also hosts significant industries like oil and gas in Pengerang, which pose high risks.

"Therefore, having an airbase will expedite firefighting or rescue services," he said.

Abdul Wahab said an airbase will also be constructed either at the Fire Academy Wakaf Tapai in Terengganu or in Kuantan, Pahang, for the east coast region.

While in the central region, the airbase in Subang, Selangor, is still under construction and expected to be completed by 2025.

Construction of the northern region airbase in Bertam, Penang, will kick-start at the end of November this year.

He said with the construction of the airbases, the department would be able to further improve and ensure the promptness of their services.

It will significantly improve its operations especially in rescue and disaster logistics assistance, and aerial support during floods.

At present, the department has a rented airbase in Miri, Sarawak, covering assistance services across Borneo, including Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

"For the long term, we planned to construct airbases in Sabah and Sarawak," he added.

Also present was state Fire and Rescue Department director, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Fire Siti Rohani Nadir.

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