GOHTONG JAYA FIRE AND RESCUE STATION TO CUT EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIME TO 10 MINUTES

KUALA LUMPUR,  Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The construction of the Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) and quarters in Gohtong Jaya, Genting, Pahang, is expected to reduce the emergency response time in the surrounding area from 25 minutes to just 10 minutes once fully completed in November 2027.

Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) secretary-general Datuk Dr M Noor Azman Taib said the current response time from the Genting Highlands Fire and Rescue Station to the Gohtong Jaya area takes about 25 minutes due to the distance and hilly terrain.

He said the new station is crucial following rapid development and the growing number of tourism activities in the highland area, which also records a high number of fire incidents each year.

“Based on fire and rescue risk assessments, at least 20 fire cases are recorded annually in this area, highlighting the urgent need for a new station.

With this project, developed in collaboration with Genting Malaysia Berhad (GenM), we are confident that rescue capabilities in Genting and nearby areas will be significantly strengthened,” he told a press conference after the project agreement signing ceremony today.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Department of Land and Mines (JKPTG) director Datuk Muhamad Azmi Mohd Zain and representative of Genting Centre of Excellence Sdn Bhd Lee Hoe Chee.

M Noor Azman said the RM68.38 million project is being implemented through a smart financing model involving a land exchange with the government and a corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution from Genting Malaysia Berhad (GenM).

“Of the total cost, RM39 million is funded by the government, while RM29.38 million is contributed by GenM under its CSR initiative. This marks the first time such a comprehensive approach has been adopted to enhance safety measures in highland resort areas,” he said.

He said the project is currently in the site preparation stage, following land-clearing works that began after the groundbreaking ceremony a few months ago. Physical construction is expected to commence once the building plan receives approval.

“This project is expected to be completed within 24 months and will provide broader benefits to surrounding areas, including Janda Baik, Bukit Tinggi, and the border areas of Batang Kali and Selayang in Selangor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the new station will be classified as a Grade C Fire Station and will accommodate 27 full-time personnel.

This, he said, is in contrast to the current arrangement in the Genting area, which still relies on existing stations located outside the resort zone.

“Geographical challenges and the absence of permanent quarters previously made it difficult to station full-time personnel in the area. With this new facility, we will not only enhance operational readiness but also ensure better welfare and living conditions for our members and their families,” he said.

He said the construction of permanent quarters also takes into account the social and family needs of JBPM personnel, with nearby access to essential amenities such as markets, schools, and public facilities around Genting.

-- BERNAMA