Faced with an ageing fleet, Malaysia's fire department turns to robots and upgrades

The Fire and Rescue Department is strengthening its operational and logistical capabilities through asset modernisation efforts. — Picture by Choo Choy May.

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 7:00 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is strengthening its operational and logistical capabilities through asset modernisation efforts and the exploration of new technologies, including Unmanned Remote Systems (URS) involving two Fire Fighting Robots (FFRs).

JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the move was crucial for ensuring the department remained prepared to deal with various emergencies, including fires, accidents, rescue operations and large-scale disasters.

He said the replacement of vehicles and equipment would be carried out in stages based on the age and operational capability of existing assets, including the acquisition of 80 Fire Rescue Tenders (FRTs).

According to him, JBPM acquired 686 FRT units between 2001 and 2026, while the requirement based on operational norm stood at 592 units.

“Based on these figures, 372 of the 592 existing units (63 per cent) have exceeded 10 years of service. As such, the procurement of 80 replacement FRT units and 150 existing CFRT (Compact Fire Rescue Tender) units is expected to have a tangible impact on the department’s preparedness and operational capabilities and service delivery in the coming years,” he told Bernama.

Besides replacing vehicles, Nor Hisham said the department was also focusing on improving response times, especially in areas that had yet to meet the stipulated targets, through the construction of new fire stations and the continuation of ongoing projects.

Rescue personnel participate in a disaster response exercise as part of preparations for the North-east Monsoon season. — Bernama pic

“In a bid to modernise our operational capabilities, the department also plans to acquire URS equipment involving two FFR units, in line with technological advancements to support firefighting and rescue operations.

“The provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly firefighting protective clothing, as well as the addition and replacement of basic rescue equipment, are also important requirements to ensure the safety of personnel while on duty,” he added.

Nor Hisham said the department was also focusing on utility vehicles, logistics for its K9 Unit and operational facilities to support personnel mobility, especially during search and rescue operations and disaster management.

In terms of personnel welfare, the JBPM is focusing on the construction and maintenance of quarters, with total project costs amounting to RM241.6 million, including a ceiling allocation of RM35.1 million for 2027.

A total of RM16 million has also been allocated for facility maintenance, in addition to the approval of redevelopment and modernisation of ageing fire stations, namely the Fire and Rescue Stations (BBP) in Perai, Jalan Perak, Jerantut, Muar and Sarikei.

Nor Hisham expects efforts to strengthen assets, facilities and personnel capabilities to improve asset reliability, departmental preparedness and emergency response capabilities. 

In the long term, JBPM is open to exploring the use of electric vehicles (EVs) for FRTs and utility vehicles, with assessments to be conducted on operational suitability, travel distances, battery capacity, charging infrastructure, technical requirements and the total lifecycle cost of the assets.

To support these efforts, the government has approved a Development Expenditure (DE) allocation of RM1.8 billion for JBPM under Budget 2027 to carry out 96 ongoing and new projects, comprising physical development, infrastructure and the procurement of vehicles and equipment, with a ceiling allocation of RM200 million for the year.

A Fire and Rescue Department helicopter is deployed during a search and rescue operation in Bidor, Perak. — Bernama pic

“This allocation is extremely important, particularly in meeting the need to replace FRTs, provide protective clothing and other firefighting and rescue equipment,” he added.

On Saturday (Oct 24), Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming announced the allocation of RM200 million under Budget 2027 to enhance firefighters’ efficiency in carrying out rescue missions and preparedness for fire-related disasters. — Bernama