Fire Dept to build 150 auxiliary fire stations

The Fire and Rescue department is targeting to build 150 auxiliary fire stations throughout the country at a cost of about RM150 million, which would accommodate a manpower strength of 13,000.

Its director general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said each station would be built in stages beginning at the end of this year.

"Presently we have about 13,000 fire and rescue personnel and 14,000 volunteers.

"When the auxiliary team is formed, our manpower strength (permanent and volunteers) will total almost 45,000," he told reporters after closing a Fire and Rescue Science course at the department's Wakaf Tapai Academy in Marang, Monday.

Meanwhile, the department would introduce a higher level fire and rescue course for trainees from regions around Southeast Asia.

The course would be conducted at the same academy, according to Wan Mohd Nor.

He said the course would involve the use of state-of-the-art equipment and fire extinguishers using chemical substance and gas.