Penang: The Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Marine Base in Mak Mandin has been designated as the Water Activities Safety Council (MKAA) Centre of Excellence to strengthen its capacity and role in water rescue operations. JBPM Deputy Director-General of Operations, Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman, stated that the upgrade will enable his team to respond more swiftly during emergencies, particularly search and rescue (SAR) operations involving victims who fall from Penang's two major bridges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the designation means that all water activities in Penang will now be centered at MKAA, with its strategic location facilitating the mobilisation of rescue assets due to its proximity to the water area. Rescue facilities and boats are stationed directly at the jetty, allowing immediate response without the delays previously experienced when transporting boats from the station to the site.

The centre is currently equipped with a dolphin boat, three aluminium boats, and a 39-member Water Rescue Team (PPDA) drawn from the Butterworth and Bagan Jermal fire and rescue stations. Ahmad Izram highlighted that from January 1 to August this year, 196 cases of death due to drowning were recorded nationwide, including seven in Penang.

Of the total cases, 175 were male victims and 21 female victims, with most aged between 20 and 30 years. Besides serving as the main operations hub, the MKAA will also function as a venue for community awareness programmes, an information and reference centre, and a training facility. It will provide opportunities for strategic collaboration with external agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) interested in supporting water safety initiatives.