Over 15,000 JBPM personnel are deployed as 18,000 high-risk buildings are identified ahead of festive celebrations
PUTRAJAYA: More than 15,000 Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) personnel will be on standby under Ops Siaga Raya 2026, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Nga confirmed that 80% of the firefighters leave frozen, as authorities intensify fire prevention efforts ahead of the festive season.
“The implementation of Ops Siaga Raya reflects the determination of the Madani government to ensure the safety of the people remains the number one priority,” he told reporters after officiating the firefighting asset handover and Ops Siaga Raya 2026 launch ceremony yesterday.
Nga also revealed that 18,000 buildings nationwide has been categorised as having a fire-risk.
“Festive celebrations must not come at the expense of safety. “Celebrations cannot override vigilance.”
Last year, JBPM conducted 21,429 building inspections, exceeding its target, with 11,260 fire safety notices issued involving 1,620 premises.
“These notices are not meant to punish, but to educate. We give building owners the opportunity to correct weaknesses before legal action is taken,” he said.
Nga said JBPM will carry out 14,000 fire safety education and outreach programmes this year through platforms such as Bomba Cilik, Bomba Junior Cadet, Bomba Siswa and community initiatives.
He warned of festive hazards including electrical overload, unattended cooking and fireworks misuse.
“When we celebrate, we must remain vigilant. Do not place unused items along emergency corridors and escape routes,” he said.
Nga also pointed to peat soil fires in Johor, saying such fires burn underground, spread quickly and produce hazardous smoke.
In a related development, Malaysia officially received 30 Fire Rescue Tender vehicles worth RM60 million through cooperation with China-based CLW Group, replacing nearly 30-year-old fire engines.
“These fire engines will be distributed immediately to states that need them,” he added.
