Extra rest days incentive for firefighters postponed

The incentive, targeted at those working 12- or 24-hour shifts, was initially scheduled to begin on May 1.

In January, the government announced a weekly rest day incentive totalling 26 days a year as part of efforts to protect the welfare of firefighters.

PETALING JAYA:

 The implementation of weekly rest days for firefighters, scheduled to begin on May 1, has reportedly been postponed, sparking disappointment among personnel.

The incentive, targeted at those working 12- or 24-hour shifts, was approved in January.

According to a circular issued by fire and rescue department director-general Nor Hisham Mohamad, however, it was being postponed to allow the public services department (JPA) to coordinate and improve the rollout process.

“This is to ensure that firefighting operations remain uninterrupted and at a consistently optimal level.

“JPA is deferring the implementation of weekly rest days from May 1, 2025 to a new date to be announced later,” said the circular, dated April 10.

When contacted by FMT, Hisham declined to comment on the matter.

A firefighter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the delay was disheartening and expressed hope that the decision would be reversed.

“If JPA doesn’t want to approve the extra rest days, then at least increase the firefighter incentive allowance.

“We don’t get public holiday leave, and there’s no overtime pay, either,” said the firefighter, who has served for 20 years.

Under the incentive, firefighters would have been entitled to one additional rest day every 14 days, or after completing eight cycles of 12-hour shifts.

Before this, firefighters were not entitled to weekly rest days.

FMT previously reported the grievances of firefighting personnel, including claims that the replacement leave for public holidays, averaging around 18 to 19 days a year, was inadequate. - FMT