Over 60 fire stations in dilapidated condition in the country

KUALA LUMPUR (June 28): More than 60 fire stations in the country are in dilapidated condition, revealed The Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) today.

Not only do some need upgrading, others have to be reconstructed at a new location.

Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin (pictured) said such fire stations were old or located in shop buildings that were not suitable anymore owing to the rapid growth of the areas they serve.

“Most were built before the towns or areas are developed, so when it is developed and the population increased, we should review the suitability of its location.

"So far the ministry has identified more than 60 fire stations to be removed from the shop building area and to be rebuilt  in new places within five years," Bernama reported her as saying at a media conference after officiating the opening of the Bukit Angin Fire and Rescue Station at Temerloh today .

Zuraida also said that more than 200 new fire stations are to be built in stages within five years to strengthen Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) "as they face increasingly challenging tasks".

“To date, a total of 44 new fire stations are under construction nationwide, in which  27 will be completed this year, 11 are scheduled to be completed next year and six more stations in 2020, estimated cost for each station is RM14 million.

“Currently, JBPM had 290 fire stations nationwide with a strength of 14,000 personnel,” Bernama reported her saying.

Zuraida also said her ministry would boost the capability of volunteer firefighters "as the early response team for rescue and firefighting".