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The Star
06-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Jaga-jaga Abang Bomba: Firefighters urged to be careful on social media
LABUAN: Fire and Rescue Department personnel have been reminded to exercise prudence and professionalism when using social media as digital platforms now hold considerable influence over public opinion and the reputation of institutions. Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube could serve as powerful tools to promote the department's image when used responsibly. However, he stressed that managing public perception on social media must be approached with caution. "Misuse of these platforms – particularly through emotional or misleading criticism – could jeopardise the credibility of the department. "Our personnel must remain neutral and refrain from making unfounded comments or disseminating inaccurate information that could discredit any party or provoke public sensitivity," he said at the Fire Service Medal Award Ceremony, 2024 Excellent Service Award, 30-Year Service Certificate, and Commendable Service Certificate at a leading hotel here on Tuesday (May 6). Nor Hisham reminded department personnel that they are bound by the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, Official Secrets Act 1972 and the department's social media guidelines. "Upholding these regulations is crucial to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the department," he said. Nor Hisham also outlined several strategic areas of focus for the Labuan department this year, among them the continued commitment to the Labuan Emergency Mutual Aid (Lema) framework, which is vital in managing risks associated with the island's oil and gas sector. He noted the need to review the Lema manual, as the current version refers to the now-defunct National Security Council Directive No. 20, which has been replaced by the National Disaster Management Agency Directive No. 1. Nor Hisham highlighted the department's role in promoting water safety awareness in line with the government's Chase (Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-friendly) City vision. The Chase City vision particularly follows the RM39mil allocation for the Victoria Harbour Beach waterfront development. "The department will be responsible for advising on and enforcing water safety standards as part of its duties under the Majlis Keselamatan Aktiviti Air," he said. He further announced that the federal government has approved the construction of 72 new quarters for Labuan at a total cost of RM70mil, with RM300,000 allocated for 2025. He called on local officers to ensure that the project would be carried out according to the schedule. Nor Hisham also reiterated support for the 'One Billion Readiness Initiatives', which aims to train 4.5 million people in fire and emergency response from 2025 to 2027. "This includes delivering 12,000 community education programmes to increase public preparedness," he said. Commending Labuan firefighters' outstanding achievements in physical fitness and competency, he noted their perfect 100% pass rate in the firefighter fitness test and remarkable success in the Wellness Hub programme, which surpassed its target with a 162% completion rate. The department also performed well in tactical and individual competency assessments," he added. – Bernama
The Sun
06-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Firefighters urged to practise caution on social media
LABUAN: Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) personnel have been reminded to exercise prudence and professionalism when using social media, as digital platforms now hold considerable influence over public opinion and the reputation of institutions. Its director-general, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube could serve as powerful tools to promote the department's image when used responsibly. He stressed, however, that the management of public perception on social media must be approached with caution. 'Misuse of these platforms, particularly through emotional or misleading criticism could jeopardise the credibility of the department. 'Our personnel must remain neutral and refrain from making unfounded comments or disseminating inaccurate information that could discredit any party or provoke public sensitivity,' he said at the Fire Service Medal Award Ceremony, 2024 Excellent Service Award, 30-Year Service Certificate, and Commendable Service Certificate at a leading hotel here today. Nor Hisham reminded fire and rescue personnel that they are bound by the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, Official Secrets Act 1972, and the department's social media guidelines. 'Upholding these regulations is crucial to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the department,' he said. Nor Hisham also outlined several strategic areas of focus for the Labuan JBPM this year, among them is the continued commitment to the Labuan Emergency Mutual Aid (LEMA) framework, which is vital in managing risks associated with the island's oil and gas sector. He noted the need to review the LEMA manual, as the current version refers to the now-defunct MKN Directive No. 20, which has been replaced by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Directive No. 1. Nor Hisham highlighted the department's role in promoting water safety awareness in line with the government's CHASE (Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-Friendly) City vision. CHASE City vision particularly follows the RM39 million allocation for the Victoria Harbour Beach waterfront development. 'JBPM will be responsible for advising on and enforcing water safety standards as part of its duties under the Majlis Keselamatan Aktiviti Air (MKAA),' he said. He further announced that the federal government has approved the construction of 72 new quarters for the staff of the Labuan JBPM, at a total cost of RM70 million, with RM300,000 allocated for 2025. He called on local officers to ensure that the project would be carried out according to the schedule. Nor Hisham also reiterated JBPM's support for the 'One Billion Readiness Initiatives', which aims to train 4.5 million people in fire and emergency response from 2025 to 2027. 'This includes delivering 12,000 community education programmes to increase public preparedness,' he said. Commending Labuan JBPM's outstanding achievements in physical fitness and competency, he noted their perfect 100 per cent pass rate in the Firefighter Fitness Test and remarkable success in the Wellness Hub programme, which surpassed its target with a 162 per cent completion rate. The department also performed well in tactical and individual competency assessments,' he added.
The Sun
21-04-2025
- The Sun
JBPM probes two firefighters over offensive social media comments
KOTA BHARU: The Fire and Rescue Department is investigating two more of its personnel for having allegedly made offensive comments against certain individuals on social media recently. Its director-general, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohamad said the investigation was launched following several complaints by the individuals involved about the nature of the remarks, which were not only related to sensitive issues such as religion, race, royalty (3R), and politics, but also included matters that contravened the department's standing orders on social media conduct. 'We have received reports about two personnel allegedly making offensive comments online, and the matter is still under investigation. 'The comments were more personal in nature and related to individual behaviour. An investigative team will be formed before any further action is taken,' he said at the Kelantan Fire Service Medal, Excellent Service Award, and 30-Year Service Certificate presentation ceremony here today. He noted that social media has become an influential communication tool, with platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube capable of shaping narratives, influencing public opinion, and building an organisation's image. 'If used wisely and ethically, social media can serve as a powerful weapon to promote and enhance the department's image. 'However, managing perception on social media is crucial. We must examine and handle this carefully to prevent misuse, especially when criticisms become misguided or excessive, driven by emotion, or touch on sensitive issues that can tarnish the department's credibility,' Nor Hisham said. He cited the example of a recent case involving a department officer serving in Kelantan who made inappropriate political statements on social media. 'Frankly, the incident created a negative perception among the public regarding the accountability of our officers and, in turn, affected the department's credibility as an agency that upholds integrity and noble values. 'I won't elaborate further on the matter, but I must issue a firm reminder (that) every firefighter must practise self-reflection, make sound judgments, and carefully weigh the consequences of their actions. It's not just about personal impact, but the broader implications for the department as a whole,' he said. He stressed that civil servants should remain neutral when sharing opinions and avoid making baseless criticisms or spreading false information, as JBPM was bound by existing rules and directives. His statement follows media reports of 18 department personnel being issued warning letters and an auxiliary firefighter being suspended for three months for breaking rules governing social media use.
Barnama
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Barnama
2024 Floods Caused RM933.4 Mln In Losses Nationwide, K'tan Highest Loss Among States
KOTA BHARU, April 21 (Bernama) -- The floods that hit Malaysia in 2024 caused losses of RM933.4 million, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad also said that Kelantan recorded the highest loss among states, at RM139 million in terms of residential property damage, including RM46.2 million in Pasir Mas, RM31.7 million in Tumpat and RM19.2 million in Kota Bharu - the three most affected districts in the state. 'These major losses highlight the importance of effective disaster management strategies and mitigation efforts at the state level. 'This data must be thoroughly analysed by the Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department to enable more effective planning, including manpower deployment, asset readiness, and suitable emergency response plans,' he said at the Kelantan JBPM Fire Service Medal, Excellent Service Award, and 30-Year Service Certificate presentation ceremony here today. He also said that the department had heightened its readiness throughout the country following a shift in weather patterns that is expected to bring heavy, localised rain in the afternoons that increased the risk of flash floods. Also, all fire stations and personnel across the country have been instructed to remain on standby following flash flood incidents last week in six districts, including areas in Selangor, Johor, and Sabah, Nor Hisham said. 'We have issued early warnings to all firefighting teams on the ground to be better prepared, especially in high-risk areas. 'Flash floods tend to have a greater impact compared to monsoon floods because they happen suddenly and leave little time for residents to prepare,' he noted. -- BERNAMA
The Sun
21-04-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
2024 floods caused RM933.4 mln in losses nationwide, Kelantan highest loss among states
KOTA BHARU: The floods that hit Malaysia in 2024 caused losses of RM933.4 million, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad also said that Kelantan recorded the highest loss among states, at RM139 million in terms of residential property damage, including RM46.2 million in Pasir Mas, RM31.7 million in Tumpat and RM19.2 million in Kota Bharu - the three most affected districts in the state. 'These major losses highlight the importance of effective disaster management strategies and mitigation efforts at the state level. 'This data must be thoroughly analysed by the Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department to enable more effective planning, including manpower deployment, asset readiness, and suitable emergency response plans,' he said at the Kelantan JBPM Fire Service Medal, Excellent Service Award, and 30-Year Service Certificate presentation ceremony here today. He also said that the department had heightened its readiness throughout the country following a shift in weather patterns that is expected to bring heavy, localised rain in the afternoons that increased the risk of flash floods. Also, all fire stations and personnel across the country have been instructed to remain on standby following flash flood incidents last week in six districts, including areas in Selangor, Johor, and Sabah, Nor Hisham said. 'We have issued early warnings to all firefighting teams on the ground to be better prepared, especially in high-risk areas. 'Flash floods tend to have a greater impact compared to monsoon floods because they happen suddenly and leave little time for residents to prepare,' he noted.
