KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 — Malaysian police will soon launch a nationwide emergency panic button smartphone application named SaveMe999, Bukit Aman Logistics director Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said today.

The new app will replace the current MyDistress mobile app launched in August 2011 which is only for Selangor residents.

“SaveME 999 was developed by the Communication and Multimedia Ministry through the Malaysian Emergency Response System MERS 999,” Zulkifli was quoted as saying by the Star online news portal.

SaveMe999, which was launched on September 9, is currently used for disabled persons but will soon be the sole emergency channel for the public to link to the police, he said.

However, no date of the public launch was given.