NEXT-GEN MERS 999 BOOSTS EMERGENCY RESPONSE WITH AI, GPS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- The country’s emergency communications infrastructure entered a new phase today with the operational launch of the Next Generation Emergency Response Services 999 (NG MERS 999), a new digital system developed through a collaboration between Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and the Ministry of Communications.

In a statement, TM said NG MERS 999 was developed as a fully integrated platform to replace the legacy MERS 999 system, which was also developed and operated by TM.

According to the statement, the new system has the potential to enhance operational efficiency, optimise resource deployment and speed up response times at more than 800 locations nationwide.

TM said that with the operational launch of NG MERS 999, every emergency call now would receive faster, more accurate and more effective support, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a leader in digital public safety innovation.

“One of the key focuses of this system is the enhancement of the SaveME 999 mobile application, which now allows Malaysians, including Persons with Disabilities (PwD), to contact 999 operators via video, text, and multimedia-based emergency alerts.

“This places Malaysia among the earliest countries in the world to operate fully inclusive digital emergency access at the national level. The public can still contact 999 as usual. The SaveME 999 application serves as an additional option, especially for those who are less able,” the statement said.

TM said the integrated platform incorporated artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics, geolocation services and secure sovereign cloud hosting to streamline emergency call management and enable real-time decision-making.

“Two key applications, SaveME 999 (for the public to send multimedia information with GPS data) and the Responder App (for real-time tracking and coordination between emergency agencies) ensure faster responses and better decision-making in critical situations.

“The system was developed with global technology partners and is aligned with European NG112 standards while also complying with strict ISO quality and security requirements,” the statement said.

TM also noted that Malaysia had set a new benchmark in response systems through the deployment of Advanced Mobile Location (AML) technology, integrating all five emergency agency platforms under 999 and improving digital access for people with disabilities.

TM Group Chief Executive Officer Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, in the same statement, said that NG MERS 999 represented a leap in the nation’s digital transformation through the use of AI and multi-channel communication for faster, smarter and more inclusive emergency response.

“TM is proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Communications in providing critical national infrastructure to protect lives and strengthen the country’s resilience. Inclusivity is at the heart of NG MERS 999.

“The enhanced SaveME 999 application and Responder App put vital technology directly into the hands of users and emergency personnel, enabling faster and optimised emergency response,” he said.

He added that these improvements also reflected TM’s commitment to building a more connected, safer and digitally resilient Malaysia in its journey towards Digital Powerhouse 2030.

-- BERNAMA