KEPALA BATAS: The government, through the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT), has approved RM57.695 million for the development of facilities and infrastructure towards strengthening the Air Division of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).

According to Deputy Minister of Local Government Development Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, the allocation is part of the Development Expenditure (DE) under the Fourth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for Year 2024.

He stated that out of the amount, RM10 million would be for the continuation of the construction project of the Subang Air Base office, involving administrative buildings, hangars, logistics sectors, engineering workshops, a heliport, aircraft fuelling stations, and other facilities.

“A sum of RM1.2 million is allocated for the continuation of a project for acquiring special equipment for helicopter rescue, involving 10 parachute units and one set of Underslung Tactical Rescue Platform, while the remaining RM46.495 million is for the physical maintenance projects of helicopters and aircraft refuelling.

“KPKT always takes into account the development of facilities and related infrastructure; hence, these improvements are expected to enhance the functions and essential roles of the

Air Division and Air Bases of JBPM,” he said this in his speech for the opening ceremony of the Bomba’s Northern Region Air Base and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of its Air Division at the Bertam Northern Region Air Base, here, yesterday.

Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak officiated at the event, where Bomba director-general Datuk Seri Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin was also present.

Akmal Nasrullah said in addition to infrastructure construction, KPKT was also in the process of acquiring four new helicopters: two for the Emergency Medical Air Rescue Services (EMARS), and the other two as replacement for Bomba’s use.

However, he said this matter was still in the process of a cost-and-benefit analysis before taking further action.

Meanwhile, Abdul Wahab stated that the Bertam Air Base would now be known as the Northern Region Air Base. It was built on a 40-acre site as a cost of RM30.5 million.

“The base, completed in 2009, is equipped with a hangar building consisting of administrative and flight operations spaces, air unit operation facility spaces, aircraft hangars, aircraft engineering management spaces, Multiskills Team (MUST) management spaces and other facilities,” he said. — Bernama