FIREFIGHTERS ON 12, 24-HOUR SHIFTS TO GET 26 REST DAYS ANNUALLY BEGINNING FEBRUARY

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Beginning Feb 1, all firefighters working 12-hour or 24-hour shifts will be entitled to 26 rest days per year.

Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the decision was reached following discussions with the Public Service Department (JPA), the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, and engagement sessions with the Peninsular Malaysia Fire and Rescue Workers Union.

“We have reorganised the shift system to adhere as closely as possible to the circular issued by JPA under the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).

“With the new shift system, personnel will work 50 hours a week, a reduction of six hours. Previously, our personnel worked continuously throughout the year without a proper break, so we have designed this new shift system,” he told a press conference here today.

Nor Hisham said the improvement aims to safeguard the welfare of firefighters and ensure they maintain good physical, mental, and social health, ultimately enhancing the quality and productivity of the service.

Meanwhile, Nor Hisham announced that starting this year, body mass index (BMI) readings would be a key criterion for the Excellent Service Award (APC) to ensure all department personnel maintain an ideal weight and remain fit for duty.

“Last year, 60 per cent of APC recipients had a BMI between 20 and 29.9. This year, we have set that 100 per cent of firefighters must meet the required BMI range to be prioritised for the APC,” he said.

Senior JBPM officers must also adhere to the BMI standard, ensuring their BMI does not exceed 30, he added.

-- BERNAMA