Nga: Special allowance for volunteer firefighter teams raised to RM3,000 this year
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said his ministry will double the special annual allowance for Volunteer Bomba Teams to RM3,000 this year.
He said Malaysia has 356 such teams whose volunteers have selflessly served without receiving salaries.
“This year we have allocated a special allowance of RM3,000 for each team.
“We will revise the rate next year and possibly raise it if our country’s financial situation allows,” said Nga in a press conference after opening the Sri Petaling Fire and Rescue Station here.
The minister added the increase in allowance was a way to demonstrate the country’s appreciation for the volunteer firefighters’ contributions to Malaysia.
Nga said it was important to recognise and cherish such services that were offered without expectation of reward and compensation.
He later said the Ministry of Local Government Development also aimed to upgrade or complete the construction of 15 fire and rescue stations in Malaysia this year.
“This is a significant improvement of the ministry’s performance as well as showing the unity government’s commitment to ensure the fire and rescue teams of Malaysia have the best equipment and world-class performance,” said Nga.
He said the ministry has successfully completed the construction of seven fire and rescue stations ahead of the first 100 days of the unity government, located Kemahang, Kuala Krau, Dengkil, Rembau, Lutong, Trong, and Tambun.
Three more station be completed this year will be in Bandar Tenggara, Manjalara and Kuala Nerus, while another four with integrated quarters are in Putatan, Asajaya, Nabawan and Pdg Mat Sirat. The renovation of the Seremban fire and rescue station is also due to be done this year.
The minister added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will personally launch the bomba station in Tambun, the latter’s federal constituency, next week.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming attends the official opening ceremony of a new fire and rescue station at Bandar Baru Sri Petaling February 28, 2023. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
