Dive incentive for water rescuers doubled to RM200: KPKT

Bachok: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has approved an increase in Diving Incentive Payment (BIM) to RM200 for the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) of the Fire and Rescue Service (JBPM) with immediate effect, said Minister Nga Kor Min (Picture).

He said the increase over the previous RM100 incentive is to motivate divers, who play a critical role in search and rescue (SAR) operations for drowning victims.

“Last year we recorded a total of 255 victims who died from drowning while 628 PPDAs are deployed at 46 fire stations nationwide to date.

“The Department is working through the Water Activities Safety Council (MKAA) to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities at water recreational areas such as waterfalls, beaches, hillsides, rivers and hills,” he added.

He said so today after the MKAA induction ceremony in Pantai Senok here, which was also attended by KPKT Secretary General Datuk M Noor Azman Taib.

Nga said Kelantan JBPM received an allocation of RM2 million for the maintenance and upgrading of six fire stations in the state, including stations in Kota Bharu, Machang, Rantau Panjang and Kuala Krai.

“This provision is designed to ensure that the Red Warriors (firefighters) are always ready to perform rescues in water or fire incidents.

“This is because the Fire Service is also one of the agencies to be given attention in the 2023 budget, including 100 units of Swift Water Rescue Sets for use in training at the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Academy,” he said.

Previously, Nga witnessed a simulation of a drowning-at-sea rescue operation by the state-owned JBPM, involving JBPM assets such as the AW 109 helicopter and the amphibious rapid-deployment boat and Kevlar boat. -Bernama