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Sinar Daily
03-08-2025
- General
- Sinar Daily
Meet the ‘heroines' of Storm – JBPM's most elite rescue force
Known for handling high-risk missions, Storm comprises only highly skilled firefighters who are always on standby to be deployed for large-scale rescue operations. 03 Aug 2025 01:03pm Members of the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (Storm) under the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) perform a demonstration at the Presint 7 Fire and Rescue Station in Putrajaya, recently. Photo by Bernama PUTRAJAYA - Rescue operations in Malaysia have always been the domain of men, but these days women are also joining the elite Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (Storm) under the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM). Known for handling high-risk missions, Storm comprises only highly skilled firefighters who are always on standby to be deployed for large-scale rescue operations. However, the presence of women in this elite unit has brought a new dimension, especially during missions involving women and child victims. Senior Fire Officer II Saredah Mohd Salleh, 42, is one such "heroine'. She made history by being named the best trainee in the JBPM 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 70 kilogrammes while walking,' she told Bernama recently. The mother of two with 14 years of experience in firefighting said female members of Storm do not receive any special treatment. Senior Fire Officer II Saredah Mohd Salleh (left) and Fire Officer Nik Izzahtiey Nik Soh, who is also a member of the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (Storm) under the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), pose for a photo in front of a fire engine on display at the Presint 7 Fire and Rescue Station, here recently. Photo by Bernama They are required to undergo the same rigorous and demanding fitness tests as their male counterparts. "All members must pass the Individual Physical Proficiency Test set by JBPM 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. For Fire Officer Nik Izzahtiey Nik Soh, 24, one of the youngest women in Storm, 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 said 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 JBPM, working as one team,' she added. Meanwhile, JBPM 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 JBPM 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
The Star
29-07-2025
- 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
AsiaOne
25-07-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — Khatib Camp in Yishun will make way for new homes, with the camp's functions to be relocated to Amoy Quee Camp, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Defence said on July 23 that the redevelopment of Amoy Quee Camp and its supporting infrastructure and facilities started in April 2024, with completion targeted for 2030. The ministry said Amoy Quee Camp, located in Ang Mo Kio, will have its land use intensified to accommodate the relocated units, assets and facilities from Khatib Camp. The camp will also house other operational units, along with their maintenance and administrative entities, to ensure the Singapore Armed Forces' operational readiness, said Mindef, which added that Khatib Camp will be returned to the state for residential development. Khatib Camp currently occupies about 29ha of land and is next to the upcoming 70ha Chencharu estate that is part of Yishun town. Reusing the camp's land for housing will add to the planned 10,000 homes that are slated for development in Chencharu by 2040. Based on the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 that was released on June 25, the camp has been zoned for housing but has yet to be assigned a gross plot ratio — a figure that determines the maximum floor area of a development. Assuming it is given a plot ratio of 2.8 — similar to that of neighbouring residential plots - property analysts said it can yield more than 6,000 public flats or more than 9,000 condominium units. Alan Cheong, executive director of research and consultancy at Savills Singapore, said the large site provides urban planners the flexibility of incorporating a housing mix that includes private homes, condominium units and commercial amenities. Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group, added that the transport network surrounding the camp site may also need to be improved for future residents. Currently, the end of the camp closest to Khatib MRT station is about 400m away, while its farthest end is about 1.2km from the station. Sun said there is a higher chance that public flats will be built on the site, which will be consistent with the neighbourhoods that currently surround it. Built at a cost of $90 million in 1983, Khatib Camp occupies an area that was previously used by the Royal Malaysian Navy from 1970, and handed over to Singapore in February 1982. The camp initially housed the SAF Boys' School, the air defence unit and five other artillery units. It has long served as the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery, and is currently one of four SAF camps where NSmen can take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test. As for Amoy Quee Camp, it was among the properties handed over to Singapore as part of the withdrawal of British troops in 1971. Information from the British archives shows the Royal Air Force (RAF) Amoy Quee base was established in mid-1968 and operated until July 1971. It housed the RAF's 1003 Signals Unit. Amoy Quee Camp in 1976 had the biggest pineapple farm in Singapore, occupying 6ha, as part of efforts to grow food for soldiers and also as an experiment to see if enough fruit could be harvested and sold for profit. Since 2001, Amoy Quee Camp has housed the headquarters of the National Cadet Corps, and the camp's size has been reduced drastically in recent years from about 89ha to 52ha to make way for new homes. According to URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition, the area will have a new park, commercial amenities and healthcare facilities. Its development has begun, with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-unit Pine Ville @ AMK project by the Housing Board, where replacement flats are being built for residents of an Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme project that was announced in April 2022. Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme project that was announced in April 2022 To be developed next to Pine Ville @ AMK soon is a Build-To-Order project, comprising 1,420 units, which will be launched in October. Elsewhere within the about 37ha of land that Mindef has ceded in Amoy Quee, HDB is currently preparing the site for future developments, such as constructing new roads and sewers. These works are slated to be completed by end-2025. According to URA's draft masterplan, at least three other housing sites are available for development in the area. The first is about 3ha, which is located next to a planned park. Analysts said it can hold about 1,200 condominium units, or about 800 flats. The second is about 6.2ha and is located across the road from Amoy Quee Camp. Analysts said it could yield about 1,400 flats, or about 2,200 condominium units. Savills' Cheong noted that it is large enough to be used for a mix of public and private homes, with some commercial amenities. The third plot is about 5.2ha, which has not been given a plot ratio in URA's draft masterplan. It stretches along the eastern boundary of Nanyang Polytechnic. Sun said the plot may not be attractive to developers because of its elongated shape. Assuming it has a plot ratio of 3.5 — the nearby housing plots have plot ratios ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 — it can hold about 1,400 flats, or about 2,100 condominium units, she said. As for the camp, a construction notice states that 48 blocks will be demolished and 35 blocks will be built, along with a football field and running track. This is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029. [[nid:720521]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Business Times
25-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp
[SINGAPORE] Khatib Camp in Yishun will make way for new homes, with the camp's functions to be relocated to Amoy Quee Camp, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Defence said on July 23 that the redevelopment of Amoy Quee Camp and its supporting infrastructure and facilities started in April 2024, with completion targeted for 2030. The ministry said Amoy Quee Camp, located in Ang Mo Kio, will have its land use intensified to accommodate the relocated units, assets and facilities from Khatib Camp. The camp will also house other operational units, along with their maintenance and administrative entities, to ensure the Singapore Armed Forces' operational readiness, said Mindef, which added that Khatib Camp will be returned to the state for residential development. Khatib Camp currently occupies about 29 ha of land and is next to the upcoming 70ha Chencharu estate that is part of Yishun town. Reusing the camp's land for housing will add to the planned 10,000 homes that are slated for development in Chencharu by 2040. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up Based on the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 that was released on June 25, the camp has been zoned for housing but has yet to be assigned a gross plot ratio – a figure that determines the maximum floor area of a development. Assuming it is given a plot ratio of 2.8 – similar to that of neighbouring residential plots – property analysts said it can yield more than 6,000 public flats or more than 9,000 condominium units. Mr Alan Cheong, executive director of research and consultancy at Savills Singapore, said the large site provides urban planners the flexibility of incorporating a housing mix that includes private homes, condominium units and commercial amenities. Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group, added that the transport network surrounding the camp site may also need to be improved for future residents. Currently, the end of the camp closest to Khatib MRT station is about 400 m away, while its farthest end is about 1.2 km from the station. Ms Sun said there is a higher chance that public flats will be built on the site, which will be consistent with the neighbourhoods that currently surround it. Built at a cost of S$90 million in 1983, Khatib Camp occupies an area that was previously used by the Royal Malaysian Navy from 1970, and handed over to Singapore in February 1982. The camp initially housed the SAF Boys' School, the air defence unit and five other artillery units. It has long served as the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery, and is currently one of four SAF camps where NSmen can take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test. As for Amoy Quee Camp, it was among the properties handed over to Singapore as part of the withdrawal of British troops in 1971. Information from the British archives shows the Royal Air Force (RAF) Amoy Quee base was established in mid-1968 and operated until July 1971. It housed the RAF's 1003 Signals Unit. Amoy Quee Camp in 1976 had the biggest pineapple farm in Singapore, occupying 6ha, as part of efforts to grow food for soldiers and also as an experiment to see if enough fruit could be harvested and sold for profit. Since 2001, Amoy Quee Camp has housed the headquarters of the National Cadet Corps, and the camp's size has been reduced drastically in recent years from about 89ha to 52ha to make way for new homes. According to URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition, the area will have a new park, commercial amenities and healthcare facilities. Its development has begun, with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-unit Pine Ville @ AMK project by the Housing Board, where replacement flats are being built for residents of an Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme project that was announced in April 2022. To be developed next to Pine Ville @ AMK soon is a Build-To-Order project, comprising 1,420 units, which will be launched in October. Elsewhere within the about 37 ha of land that Mindef has ceded in Amoy Quee, HDB is currently preparing the site for future developments, such as constructing new roads and sewers. These works are slated to be completed by end-2025. According to URA's draft masterplan, at least three other housing sites are available for development in the area. The first is about 3 ha, which is located next to a planned park. Analysts said it can hold about 1,200 condominium units, or about 800 flats. The second is about 6.2 ha and is located across the road from Amoy Quee Camp. Analysts said it could yield about 1,400 flats, or about 2,200 condominium units. Savills' Mr Cheong noted that it is large enough to be used for a mix of public and private homes, with some commercial amenities. The third plot is about 5.2 ha, which has not been given a plot ratio in URA's draft masterplan. It stretches along the eastern boundary of Nanyang Polytechnic. Ms Sun said the plot may not be attractive to developers because of its elongated shape. Assuming it has a plot ratio of 3.5 – the nearby housing plots have plot ratios ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 – it can hold about 1,400 flats, or about 2,100 condominium units, she said. As for the camp, a construction notice states that 48 blocks will be demolished and 35 blocks will be built, along with a football field and running track. This is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029. THE STRAITS TIMES
Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Khatib Camp was built in 1983 and is the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery. SINGAPORE – Khatib Camp in Yishun will make way for new homes, with the camp's functions to be relocated to Amoy Quee Camp, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Defence said on July 23 that the redevelopment of Amoy Quee Camp and its supporting infrastructure and facilities started in April 2024, with completion targeted for 2030 . The ministry said Amoy Quee Camp, located in Ang Mo Kio, will have its land use intensified to accommodate the relocated units, assets and facilities from Khatib Camp. The camp will also house other operational units, along with their maintenance and administrative entities, to ensure the Singapore Armed Forces' operational readiness, said Mindef, which added that Khatib Camp will be returned to the state for residential development. Khatib Camp currently occupies about 29ha of land and is next to the upcoming 70ha Chencharu estate that is part of Yishun town. Reusing the camp's land for housing will add to the planned 10,000 homes that are slated for development in Chencharu by 2040 . Based on the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 that was released on June 25, the camp has been zoned for housing but has yet to be assigned a gross plot ratio – a figure that determines the maximum floor area of a development. Assuming it is given a plot ratio of 2.8 – similar to that of neighbouring residential plots – property analysts said it can yield more than 6,000 public flats or more than 9,000 condominium units. Khatib Camp, which occupies about 29ha of land, can yield a few thousand homes. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Mr Alan Cheong, executive director of research and consultancy at Savills Singapore, said the large site provides urban planners the flexibility of incorporating a housing mix that includes private homes, condominium units and commercial amenities. Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group, added that the transport network surrounding the camp site may also need to be improved for future residents. Currently, the end of the camp closest to Khatib MRT station is about 400m away, while its farthest end is about 1.2km from the station. Ms Sun said there is a higher chance that public flats will be built on the site, which will be consistent with the neighbourhoods that currently surround it. Built at a cost of $90 million in 1983, Khatib Camp occupies an area that was previously used by the Royal Malaysian Navy from 1970, and handed over to Singapore in February 1982 . The camp initially housed the SAF Boys' School, the air defence unit and five other artillery units. It has long served as the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery, and is currently one of four SAF camps where NSmen can take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test. Then Brigadier-General Lee Hsien Loong, an artillery officer, waving at a farewell parade held in his honour at Khatib Camp on Sept 19, 1984, two days before he left the SAF to join politics. PHOTO: ST FILE As for Amoy Quee Camp, it was among the properties handed over to Singapore as part of the withdrawal of British troops in 1971. Information from the British archives shows the Royal Air Force (RAF) Amoy Quee base was established in mid-1968 and operated until July 1971. It housed the RAF's 1003 Signals Unit. Amoy Quee Camp in 1976 had the biggest pineapple farm in Singapore , occupying 6ha, as part of efforts to grow food for soldiers and also as an experiment to see if enough fruit could be harvested and sold for profit. Since 2001, Amoy Quee Camp has housed the headquarters of the National Cadet Corps, and the camp's size has been reduced drastically in recent years from about 89ha to 52ha to make way for new homes. According to URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition, the area will have a new park, commercial amenities and healthcare facilities. Its development has begun, with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-unit Pine Ville @ AMK project by the Housing Board, where replacement flats are being built for residents of an Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme project that was announced in April 2022 . To be developed next to Pine Ville @ AMK soon is a Build-To-Order project, comprising 1,420 units, which will be launched in October. A new Build-To-Order project comprising 1,420 units will be launched in October. It will occupy the empty field next to the Pine Ville @ AMK project (right) that is currently being built by the Housing Board. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Elsewhere within the about 37ha of land that Mindef has ceded in Amoy Quee, HDB is currently preparing the site for future developments, such as constructing new roads and sewers. These works are slated to be completed by end-2025. According to URA's draft masterplan, at least three other housing sites are available for development in the area. The first is about 3ha, which is located next to a planned park. Analysts said it can hold about 1,200 condominium units, or about 800 flats. The second is about 6.2ha and is located across the road from Amoy Quee Camp. Analysts said it could yield about 1,400 flats, or about 2,200 condominium units. Savills' Mr Cheong noted that it is large enough to be used for a mix of public and private homes, with some commercial amenities. The third plot is about 5.2ha, which has not been given a plot ratio in URA's draft masterplan. It stretches along the eastern boundary of Nanyang Polytechnic. An elongated plot of land (middle, along white hoarding) in the Amoy Quee area has been earmarked for new homes. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Ms Sun said the plot may not be attractive to developers because of its elongated shape. Assuming it has a plot ratio of 3.5 – the nearby housing plots have plot ratios ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 – it can hold about 1,400 flats, or about 2,100 condominium units, she said. As for the camp, a construction notice states that 48 blocks will be demolished and 35 blocks will be built, along with a football field and running track. This is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029.
