KUANTAN (July 2): The Federal Government has approved an annual development allocation of RM278.9 million for the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to implement 86 projects under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu said the allocation will fund 27 new projects and 59 ongoing projects across the country this year, strengthening the nation's emergency response infrastructure.

Speaking at the official opening of the Sungai Lembing Fire and Rescue Station, officiated by Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Aiman Athirah highlighted several fire station projects currently underway in Pahang under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the First Rolling Plan of the 13MP.

These include the acquisition of the Gohtong Jaya Fire and Rescue Station building and quarters, the construction of new stations and staff quarters in Benta and Tioman, upgrading works at the Bentong and Kuantan Fire and Rescue Stations, the reconstruction of the Triang station and preliminary site works for the proposed Tanjung Lumpur Fire and Rescue Station.

She added that the newly completed Sungai Lembing Fire and Rescue Station was developed at a cost of RM6 million on a seven-acre site, making it the 29th fire station in Pahang.

The station has been operational since Feb 15 and is expected to strengthen emergency and rescue services for approximately 15,000 residents in Sungai Lembing and nearby communities.

Beyond its operational role, Aiman Athirah said the ministry hopes the station will also function as a community hub by promoting public education, emergency preparedness and lifesaving skills, helping to cultivate more citizen responders.

Meanwhile, Deputy Economy Minister and Paya Besar Member of Parliament Mohd Shahar Abdullah said the new fire station complements broader efforts to revitalise Sungai Lembing through heritage conservation and tourism development.

Among the ongoing initiatives are the restoration of the PCCL Cinema, the development of new ecotourism attractions, the construction of a digital museum, upgrading works on the Sungai Lembing Tunnel and efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for the historic mining town.

Mohd Shahar noted that while heritage conservation and economic development are important, they must be supported by adequate public safety infrastructure.

He said the establishment of the Sungai Lembing Fire and Rescue Station, following the decree of the Sultan of Pahang, enhances emergency preparedness while supporting the transformation of Sungai Lembing into a safe, modern and vibrant heritage destination.

The ceremony was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Pahang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin.

What I Learned

This announcement illustrates that investment in emergency services is an essential component of national and regional development. While infrastructure projects often focus on transportation, housing or tourism, fire and rescue facilities play a critical role in protecting lives, supporting disaster preparedness and ensuring communities can develop safely.

The government's allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan also shows that development planning extends beyond building new facilities. It includes upgrading existing infrastructure, expanding emergency service coverage and integrating public education to improve community resilience. In the case of Sungai Lembing, the new fire station supports not only emergency response but also the area's broader ambitions to become a heritage tourism destination, demonstrating how safety infrastructure and economic development can progress hand in hand.