Ready to uncover a hidden aspect of Kuala Lumpur’s firefighting history? We’re standing before the Fire Tank. It’s a structure linked to the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia.
The Fire and Rescue Department plays a crucial role. It is responsible for firefighting and technical rescue. The Malay term “Bomba” comes from the Portuguese “bombeiros” meaning firefighters.
Let’s journey back to the origins of firefighting services in Malaysia. It began in 1883. The Selangor fire and rescue volunteers were established then. H.F. Bellamy led them with 15 active personnel.
After World War II the Malayan Union Fire Services was established. It was based in Kuala Lumpur. Flight Lt. W.J. German headed it.
After the Malaysia Federation Agreement, things changed. Firefighting became the responsibility of state governments. On January 1, 1976, the services were integrated. It became a federal-level department. They reported to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
The department got a new name on May 15, 1981. It was called “The Malaysian Fire Services Department”.
A significant change happened on January 8, 1997. The Malaysian Ministerial Cabinet agreed to changes. They changed the coat of arms, flag, and name. The department became the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department. The official launch took place on February 21, 1997. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad led the ceremony. It was at the Genting Highlands Fire and Rescue Station in Pahang.
The JBPM flag has two sections. There is a red triangle with the department crest. The lower triangle has alternating golden yellow and blue stripes. There are 15 stripes in total.
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department has important duties. They extinguish fires. They protect life and property during fires. The department also determines fire safety regulations. They investigate the causes of fires. Carrying out humanitarian services is another key task. This includes protecting life and property during disasters.
The Fire and Rescue Academy of Malaysia FRAM has five campuses. These FRAM campuses are located throughout Malaysia. They offer courses in fire and rescue.
The Malaysian Government re-established the Auxiliary Fire Service on May 4, 2014. This happened during International Firefighters’ Day celebrations. The then Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin officiated it.
Volunteer Fire Force can be easily identified. They wear yellow Firefighting Operations Dress.
Since 1997, JBPM personnel wear a “Very Dark Corn Flower Blue” uniform. Before that, they wore Khaki-colored uniforms.
Both JBPM personnel and Auxiliary Firefighters get a red beret. This happens after completing basic fire and rescue training at FRAM.
The Dräger HPS 7000 is the standard fire and rescue helmet. White helmets are for standard firefighting personnel. Orange helmets are for officers and superintendents. Red helmets are for commissioners.
Special trained firefighters are part of JBPM Special Forces. They wear a unit patch on their right shoulder. They use different camouflage and operations uniforms.
Various special teams exist within the JBPM. These include the HAZMAT CBRNE Team. There is also the Multi-Skill Team MUST. The Rapid Intervention Motorcycle Team RIM is another. Water Rescue Unit, PASKUB and EMRS also exist. The K9 Unit and Special Force Boat Team are also units. Finally, there is the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia STORM.
The Fire Tank stands as a reminder of the evolution. It shows how Malaysia’s firefighting capabilities have grown. From humble beginnings to a sophisticated service, it reflects dedication.