Substantial Funding Boost To Keep JBPM Ready At All Times – Nga

TELUK INTAN, June 7 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has allocated substantial funds to keep the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) fully prepared for emergencies at all times.

Minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry has approved RM267 million this year to upgrade equipment for search and rescue missions.

"Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, we also approved RM1.3 billion for the department to acquire critical assets, because we never know when a disaster will strike.

"For that reason, the Fire and Rescue Department has been ordered to remain on 100 per cent standby at all times," he told reporters today during a briefing on the Sungai Perak Phase 1 Integrated River Basin Development Project and other related works in the Hilir Perak district.

He was responding to a question about strengthening JBPM's search and rescue operations, especially following the case of climber Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who was found safe near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu in Tapah yesterday.

Nga said the ministry will provide written details on the estimated costs of Jaslinda's search and rescue mission.

"What matters most is that she was found. That's our priority. Of course, every mission has weaknesses. We will find the causes and fix them," he said when asked about communication issues, which was one of the challenges in the search.

Jaslinda was part of a climbing expedition with 13 others and two Forestry Mountain Guides on the Trans Spencer Chapman trail.

The climb began at 2 am on May 23, starting from Pos Gedung through Gunung Bah Gading, Gunung Batu Putih, to Kuala Woh.

She and another climber, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, reportedly stopped due to health issues. However, the supply chain executive is believed to have continued towards the peak and was reported missing after she was last sighted on May 24.

-- BERNAMA