Latest news with #FireandRescueDepartment
The Star
13 hours ago
- Climate
- The Star
Over 75 fires recorded in schools nationwide this year, says Bomba
MARANG: The Fire and Rescue Department has recorded 76 cases of fire occurring in school areas nationwide so far this year. Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said that 60% of the cases were caused by electrical-related factors. "Whether due to wiring, the use of electrical equipment or 'resistance' to electricity supply, these three elements contributed to approximately 60% of the causes. "We did not categorise fires as happening in classrooms, laboratories, stores or others but we instead categorised them as the entire school area," he told reporters after the 'National Firefighter Drill 2025' closing ceremony at the parade ground, Fire and Rescue Academy (Eastern Region) in Wakaf Tapai near here on Tuesday (July 29). In another development, Nor Hisham said the fire department had begun moving heavy machinery to where four wildfires are burning in Sarawak. He said the heavy machinery was to "cut" the fire line to control rapidly spreading flames. "If hot weather continues, fire will descend into peatland areas so we have to prepare ourselves to carry out total flooding," he said. He said the fire department also received assistance from various parties to control the fires, such as large companies that own land in the affected areas. A department spokesperson earlier said wildfires were still reported in four locations in the state, involving a total area of about 88ha. Nor Hisham advised the public nationwide not to conduct any open burning, including burning garbage, especially in this hot season to prevent fires from occurring. "Although the number of wildfire cases this year has dropped by 50% compared to 2024, we are worried of fires occurring in peatland areas because they will spread very quickly," he said. – Bernama
Daily Express
20 hours ago
- General
- Daily Express
Two rescued from lift during early morning fire at The Shore
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 Text Size: The scene of the fire. - Pic via social media Two men trapped in a lift were safely rescued during a fire at The Shore building early Tuesday morning. The Fire and Rescue Department received the alert at 1.57am and arrived on scene by 2.10am, with support from 19 personnel across three stations. The fire involved construction materials on the fifth-floor car park, with approximately 20 per cent of the area affected. Firefighters extinguished the blaze using the building's internal hydrant system and later confirmed no further hazards at the site. Both individuals received early treatment for breathing difficulties from the fire department's medical response team before the operation concluded at 3.33am. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
20 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Women of Storm embody strength, resilience
PUTRAJAYA: Rescue operations in Malaysia have traditionally been the domain of men, but now women are joining the elite Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (Storm) under the Fire and Rescue Department. Known for handling high-risk missions, Storm consists of only highly skilled firefighters who are always on standby for large-scale rescue operations. The presence of women in this elite unit has introduced a new dimension, especially during missions involving women and child victims. Senior Fire Officer II Saredah Mohd Salleh, 42, is one such "heroine". She has made history by being named the best trainee in the Storm Basic Training Course Series 1/2024, proving that neither age nor gender is a barrier to joining one of JBPM's most elite units. "My main motivation for joining Storm is that this unit is often involved in major operations both locally and abroad. I want to gain new experiences. The tests during the training course were extremely tough, including carrying loads of up to 70kg while walking," she said recently. No special treatment The mother of two, with 14 years of experience in firefighting, said female members of Storm do not receive any special treatment and are required to undergo the same rigorous fitness tests as their male counterparts. "All members must pass the Individual Physical Proficiency Test set by the department to determine physical and mental capabilities. All candidates, regardless of gender, are assessed according to the same standards," she added. Fully aware of the heavy responsibilities that come with the role, Saredah said she must constantly maintain peak physical fitness and stamina, even beyond the requirements of a regular firefighter. "Even after work, I still go jogging at night to keep my stamina up because we can be deployed to disaster sites at any moment. In Storm, there's no room for complacency," said Saredah, who was involved in the 2022 Batang Kali landslide rescue operation. Fire Officer Nik Izzahtiey Nik Soh, 24, one of the youngest women in Storm, said her involvement in several major operations, including a building collapse in Penang and a landslide in Cameron Highlands, is clear proof that her abilities should not be underestimated. Nik Izzahtiey, who joined Storm in 2023, also mentioned that the male members in the unit have never belittled the capabilities of their female colleagues. Instead, they work together, support one another and uphold a strong spirit of teamwork. "When we're on duty, we are all members of an elite unit within the Fire and Rescue Department, working as one team," she added. Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department rescue team management branch head Ismail Abdul Ghani said currently, 10 out of 655 Storm personnel are women, a figure that underscores their ability to match male firefighters in facing the extreme challenges of rescue missions. "Being selected for Storm is no easy feat. Many apply, but not all make the cut. These 10 women are the 'heroines' of Storm... they are special," he said. He also encouraged more personnel to consider joining Storm, noting that the unit not only offers new experiences in firefighting but also opens the door to participating in large-scale operations abroad. "Joining Storm presents some of the best career opportunities in the department, including international missions. But it comes with intense training and high expectations," he added. – Bernama
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Two men killed and another hurt in Ranau, Kuala Penyu crashes
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Clarence Dol, Ahmad Apong Text Size: Fire and Rescue personnel inspecting the Perodua Kancil at the scene of accident. RANAU: A man was killed while another was injured after a Perodua Kancil collided with a palm fruit-laden lorry here on Sunday. Head of Fire and Rescue Department Rantey Fred said the incident occurred at Km 45, Ranau-Telupid Road at about 1.15pm. In the incident, the victim, Sylvester Pius Gulmit, 42, who was driving Perodua Kancil was confirmed dead when receiving treatment at the Paginatan Health Clinic. A passenger, an 18 -year -old man, suffered minor injuries with scratches and injuries to the body. The victim's car was moving from Telupid to Ranau town. 'We received a call at 1.07pm, and the rescue team reached the location situated 45km away at about 1.54pm. 'Upon arriving at the scene, the car was believed entering the opposite lane before colliding with the lorry in the opposite direction,' he said. Rantey said the victims were sent to the Paginatan Clinic before firefighters arrived. The lorry driver was not at the scene. 'The firefighters cut the battery cable to prevent fire,' he said. Meanwhile, he called on all motorists to be extra careful when driving across the district, especially on narrow and bending village roads. 'People are asked to be more careful when driving in rainy weather conditions as well as damaged or under-repaired roads. 'Always be attentive while on the road and give good cooperation to other road users. Do drive slowly especially when on uneven roads. 'Drive prudently and be sensitive to the surrounding conditions, because we all want to reach our destination safely and meet our beloved family,' he said. In KUALA PENYU, a 41-year-old man died after being hit by a Toyota Hilux in a three-vehicle accident on Sunday. Kuala Penyu District Police Chief Supt Wong Leong Ming said initial investigations showed that the Hilux had veered into the opposite lane, colliding with the victim's motorcycle before sideswiping another oncoming vehicle. 'The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel,' he said, adding that the body was sent to the Kuala Penyu Hospital for further action. He urged road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic laws and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before driving. 'Check your tires, brakes and signal lights beforehand. If there are issues, avoid using the vehicle to prevent accidents,' he said. Wong also reminded motorists to drive responsibly and respect the lives of others. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Missing after boats collide
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Azmie Lim Text Size: Fire and Rescue dept carriying out SAR. SEMPORNA: A man in his 40s has been reported missing while fishing off water near Balimbang jetty, Pulau Bum Bum, here, on Saturday. The man, identified as Balsiti Utumani disappeared when the wooden boat he boarded in with his friend was hit by another boat. According to the witness, the crash knocked them off into the water and during the incident, he could not see Balsiti. He also failed to recognized the boat that crashed into their boat due to darkness. The man was discovered by a passing boat and sent home to Kampung Halo, Semporna. He then received treatment at Semporna Hospital and was allowed to return home at 8am. The Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said the department received a distress call from the Police following the incident at 6.15am and deployed a team of Fire and Rescue personnel to the scene. The team was informed that a man was feared missing after he went fishing at about 4am on Saturday. 'A Search and Rescue (SAR) operation was launched with the other agencies within a three-kilometre radius. 'Information will be updated from time to time,' the department added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
