High risks, low reward – lament of a firefighter

Firefighters in a search and rescue operation for the victim of the sinkhole incident at Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur last August.

PETALING JAYA: 

Braving powerful currents and murky sewage waters, a team of firefighters faced extraordinary challenges while searching for an Indian national who fell into a sewer collapse at Jalan Masjid India, in Kuala Lumpur, last August.

For one firefighter, known only as Ahmad, the harrowing experience brought back memories of another perilous mission when he was stranded overnight in a tree after a rescue boat capsized during a flood operation.

“Firefighting comes with all sorts of challenges. Sometimes we spend days sleeping in the jungle while extinguishing wildfires or even praying amid the smoke… and yes, we also handle complaints about frogs in people’s homes,” he told FMT.

Despite their unwavering commitment, Ahmad admitted he often feels disheartened, particularly when welfare issues appear to be sidelined.

He pointed out the mismatch between their grueling schedules and the compensation they receive for working on public holidays — 18 to 19 days a year — without any replacement leave.

“If we work on a public holiday, we can’t take replacement leave. The public services department (JPA) says we already receive a firefighters’ incentive payment of RM110 a month.

“But if you break it down, it’s just a few sen a day. If the allowance was increased to RM400 or RM500 monthly, then I don’t mind if JPA wants to take all our public holiday leave,” said Ahmad, a 20-year veteran in the service.

He added that it was understood that senior fire department officials had submitted proposals for better allowances to JPA three years ago, but there has been no positive development to date.

“We’re not asking to compete with other agencies on salaries or allowances. But at the very least, we should be paid on par with other security forces.

“With the rising cost of living, school expenses and soaring prices of basic goods, it is just not enough,” said the father of three, appealing to the JPA for a thorough review.

He acknowledged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent announcement of new salary structures under the civil service remuneration system set to be implemented in December.

However, Ahmad stressed that his primary concern was the inadequacy of the current incentive payment. Firefighters also receive other allowances, including housing, cost of living, and public service incentives.

“It sounds like a lot, but when you add it all up, it’s barely enough. Still, Alhamdulillah, we manage,” he said.

FMT has sought comment from fire and rescue director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad. - FMT