KUCHING: A total of 96 personnel from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) were recognised for outstanding service as authorities raised concern over a sharp increase in open burning incidents across the state.
Deputy Director-General (Operations), Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman, said the recipients of the 2025 Excellent Service Award (APC) were selected through a rigorous evaluation process to ensure only the most deserving personnel were honoured.
He said six recipients were from the management and professional group, while the remaining 90 were from the implementing group, comprising 88 firefighters and two officers from supporting services.
“Recipients must meet strict criteria, including achieving at least 90 per cent in performance assessments, maintaining a body mass index of 28 and below, passing departmental fitness tests, having no disciplinary record, and serving at least three years in JBPM Sarawak,” he said when officiating the Excellent Service Award Ceremony 2026 for JBPM Sarawak at Dewan Majma Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah here today.
Each recipient received a certificate of excellence along with a RM1,000 financial incentive, credited directly into their bank accounts via electronic fund transfer.
Ahmad Izram said the recognition is expected to serve as a catalyst for JBPM personnel to continuously improve performance, strengthen discipline, and deliver quality service to the public.
On operations, he revealed that JBPM Sarawak recorded 1,942 emergency calls between January 1 and March 29 this year, involving 567 fire cases, 1,360 rescue operations, and 15 special tasks.
He said open burning cases showed a significant increase, particularly in March, with 300 cases recorded compared to 65 in January and 39 in February.
“Most of the open fires involved bushes and grass areas, followed by waste, forest and agricultural land, and this trend is largely influenced by the current hot and dry weather conditions,” he said.
He added that humanitarian assistance remained the largest category in rescue operations, accounting for 1,003 out of 1,360 cases, reflecting the department’s expanding role in community support.
“JBPM has stepped up its preparedness to face the dry season by strengthening logistics, adhering to standard operating procedures, and enhancing collaboration with relevant agencies,” he said.
He also advised the public to avoid open burning, remain vigilant on fire safety, and report emergencies promptly to the Fire and Rescue Department.
