JOHOR BARU, June 7 — The Johor Fire and Rescue Department is facing a shortage of 141 personnel and 54 equipments for all 33 fire stations under four zones in the state.
Newly minted Johor director, Senior Assistant Fire Commissioner Siti Rohani Nadir, said despite the manpower and equipment shortages, it will not affect the respective fire stations operations at this point.
“We will overcome the shortages in stages as the existing vacancies cannot be filled in a short time. The recruitment of new personnel to fill the ranks will only be done at the end of this year.
“At the same time, we will ensure that the current machinery is maintained and in good condition to face any eventualities,” Siti Rohani told reporters after a welcome ceremony was held at the Johor Fire and Rescue Department state headquarters in Jalan Tebrau here today.
Siti Rohani said Johor ranks second in facing the issue of manpower shortages nationwide after Selangor.
Siti Rohani, the first woman to helm the Johor Fire and Rescue Department, said that the shortages are a challenge for her to ensure that the public has access to the best services.
She said another challenge faced in Johor was managing flood operations and fire safety monitoring.
The 52-year-old mother of five started her service career at the Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department’s enforcement division in 1997.
Siti Rohani, speaking about her new position, said every woman who is married and working can do well in their respective careers if they manage their time well.
“I am thankful because of my supportive family members who have supported me since I first started as a fire officer 26 years ago.
“In the entire country, there are only four per cent of female officers in the Fire and Rescue Department and I am grateful to be entrusted to lead the state’s department,” she said.
Siti Rohani, who hails from Parit Sulong in Batu Pahat here, is the second most senior female officer to be appointed as the Fire and Rescue Department’s state director.
The first was Sayani Saidon, who currently heads the department’s Perak operations.
The Fire and Rescue Department has a total of 665 female personnel of all ranks stationed at various levels, including at the headquarters, state departments and district stations.
