Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has frozen the leave of 80 per cent, or about 12,000, of its personnel to ensure maximum preparedness throughout the Chinese New Year (CNY) festive period. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming stated that this measure aims to facilitate organised and effective fire prevention and emergency response operations during the celebrations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nga Kor Ming highlighted that the leave of 80 per cent of firefighters has been frozen from this week until the end of the Chinese New Year festive season. This decision was announced during the Fire Machinery Handover Ceremony and Ops Siaga Raya 2026. Nga also revealed that JBPM conducted over 21,000 building inspections nationwide in 2025, surpassing the initial target of 18,000 inspections. Consequently, 11,260 notices were issued to 1,612 premises across the country. These notices serve an educational purpose, urging compliance with fire department instructions to prevent the need for legal action.

Nga expressed optimism that property losses due to fire incidents would decrease this year compared to the RM2.24 billion recorded in 2025. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of safety and awareness to achieve this goal, especially as more development projects are initiated. In his earlier speech, Nga stressed the shared responsibility of safety, urging communities to integrate it as a societal norm.

He advised caution when using fireworks, suggesting that they be kept away from residential areas and that children should always be under adult supervision. He also warned against blocking escape routes with furniture, bicycles, or unused items in corridors, emergency stairways, or condominium passageways. Nga concluded by emphasizing the government's aim for citizens to be aware, knowledgeable, and capable of practicing basic enforcement and risk management independently.