Volunteer Fire Department

The purpose of establishing volunteer fire brigades in certain areas is to encourage local residents to:

1. Establishment of a firefighting and rescue team to take early action in the event of a fire before the arrival of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Team.
2. Help provide advisory services to the local community on fire hazards and fire prevention measures.
3. Strengthen coordination with the Fire and Rescue Department and other agencies related to fire safety.
4. Volunteer fire brigades will be able to assist the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia in their efforts to maintain fire hydrants in their respective areas.

The establishment of the volunteer fire brigade is under the authority of section 62(1)(Ca) of the Fire Services Act 1988 and is subject to the control of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department and its establishment will not involve financial implications for the government.

To ensure that the volunteer fire brigade is run more effectively, there needs to be an organization for the brigade as follows:

1. Patron

   At the national level, the Minister of Housing and Local Government is appointed, and at the state level, the Minister may be appointed from among the Chief Ministers of the respective states or influential people in the area concerned.
   
   

2. Volunteer Fire Department Advisor

   The Volunteer Fire Team Advisor must consist of the Director or Senior Fire Officer of the Fire and Rescue Department at the relevant State or district level.
   
   

3. Organizational Structure

   A Committee to be called the Voluntary Fire Brigade Organizing Committee shall be appointed at the Bi-Annual General Meeting consisting of:

   1. A Chairman
   2. A Deputy Chairman
   3. A Secretary
   4. An Assistant Secretary
   5. A Treasurer
   6. Four (4) Committee Members

   
   The above positions must be proposed and seconded and the election is conducted by voting by members at the Bi-Annual General Meeting except for the positions of Secretary and Assistant Secretary which will be appointed by the Chairman himself.
   
   

4. Membership Requirements
   1. Membership is for Malaysian Citizens.
   2. Applications are open to local residents who are 18 years of age and above, have good health, are not disabled and must use the application form as in Appendix ‘B’ and be supported by the chairman. Applications must be sent to the Secretary. The Committee may at its discretion reject any application without giving any reason.
   3. Every applicant whose application has been approved must provide a declaration of allegiance as a member of the team.
   4. Each member is encouraged to take out group insurance coverage for future benefits.
   5. Application to become a member will be charged a fee of ten Malaysian ringgit (RM10).
   6. Volunteer Fire Department Members:
      1. Attend training as prescribed by the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia.
      2. Present yourself for firefighting and rescue duties at fire scenes or other emergency tasks.
      3. Comply with any instructions set by the Organizing Committee or Team Leader. In firefighting work attended by the Fire and Rescue Team, members of the Volunteer Fire Team must comply with all instructions from the Senior Fire Officer leading the extinguishing operation to avoid discrepancies and dangers in non-uniform operational actions.
      4. Notify the Team Leader immediately if unable to be active due to illness or personal matters.
      5. It is not permitted to provide information about fire incidents to the media.
      6. Wear the prescribed uniform when attending fire scenes, parades, training and other team activities.
      7. Provide no less than one month's notice if you wish to stop being a team member or move to another area.
      8. Not using or wearing the team uniform outside of team activities or misusing the uniform.
         
         
5. Membership Prohibition
   1. The team or its members are prohibited from holding any gambling games at the preparation area or any place related to the activities of the Volunteer Fire Department.
   2. Teams are prohibited from misusing the fire extinguishing equipment provided.
   3. This team may not conduct a lottery, whether reserved for members or not, in the name of the team or its officers or committees or members without approval from the relevant authorities.
   4. While carrying out firefighting operations, teams are prohibited from committing any illegal acts.