He said the country currently has 337 fire stations and that the government is using the “fire risk index” as a benchmark to determine the need for more fire stations.

“Therefore, any area with urgent needs will be prioritised. However, this also depends on the country’s financial position with construction projects being carried out in phases,” he told reporters after attending an event featuring fire and rescue department personnel in Banda Hilir here last night.

He added that the construction of the 84 new fire stations would also look into the number of personnel needed to serve at these facilities as well as at existing stations.

According to Nga, there are nearly 15,000 firefighters nationwide and the allocated positions are almost fully filled.

“Some 509 individuals have been selected to fill the positions this year,” he said.

He added that the ministry and the department would ensure that personnel and officers on duty always comply with the instructions and standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the National Security Council (MKN).

Meanwhile, Nga said local authorities had been asked to issue compound fines to irresponsible parties who do open burning.

“Last year the country lost more than RM2.6 billion due to open burning,” he added.