Latest news with #NorHishamMohammad

Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Fire Dept Keen To Learn From Russia's Use Of AI, Robotics In Firefighting
PUTRAJAYA, June 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has expressed interest in deepening its collaboration with Russia's Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM) to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in emergency response and firefighting operations. Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad commended Russia's technological advancements, particularly EMERCOM's innovative use of AI in incident prediction incidents, resource management, and risk analysis. 'We are very keen to learn from Russia's advancements in deploying AI and robotics in fire and rescue work. EMERCOM's use of AI to predict incidents, allocate resources efficiently, and analyse risks is especially relevant and inspiring to us. 'As we move forward with our digital transformation, beginning with our pioneering C4I - Command, Control, Communications,Computers and Intelligence - we are now looking into how we can make the most of smart systems, unmanned aerial vehicle, predictive modelling, and AI-powered surveillance for real-time monitoring in firefighting and disaster risk reduction,' he said. Nor Hisham said this in his welcoming speech during a courtesy call by Russia's EMERCOM Minister Colonel General Alexander Kurenkov at the JBPM headquarters here today. Nor Hisham also highlighted the department's interest in exploring advanced fire safety systems, particularly the potential application of Russian fire safety systems in Malaysia. 'One well-known brand already available is Pyrogen, which offers aerosol-based solutions such as the EXA Aerosol Fire Suppression System and the IPEX Impulse Powder Suppression System. 'We believe there is significant potential to explore in this area, especially when it comes to introducing new technologies and products that could help improve fire suppression systems and safety installations across the country,' he said. Nor Hisham also reflected on the longstanding partnership between JBPM and Russia, which began in 1998 with the establishment of JBPM's Air Division and the acquisition of two Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters.

The Star
10-06-2025
- The Star
Gerik bus crash: Fire Dept identifies 15 UPSI students killed
PETALING JAYA: The victims of the bus crash near Gerik have been identified by the Fire and Rescue Department. All were named in a condolence post put up by the Department on Tuesday (June 10). The Department extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students involved in the road accident on the East-West Highway (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli,' it said. 'May the souls of those who perished be blessed and placed among the righteous. We pray that all affected family members are given strength, resilience, and patience in facing this trial,' added Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad. The crash occurred between 12.30am and 1am on Monday (June 9), when a chartered bus travelling from Jertih to Tanjung Malim overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza on the East-West Highway near Gerik. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver, his assistant, and the driver and three passengers of the MPV.


The Star
09-06-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Fire dept warns against open burning ahead of drier days
PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia braces for drier days ahead, the Fire and Rescue Department has issued a stern reminder against open burning. Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said 3,791 open burning cases were recorded from January until last month. Of the total, Kedah had the highest number of cases at 547, followed by Johor (468), Terengganu (384), Selangor (368), Perak (357) and Melaka (348). 'However, this is a 32% decrease across all states nationwide compared with the same period last year. 'The department takes a zero-tolerance stance towards open burning. We closely monitor the situation, especially during dry spells where humidity is low,' he said when contacted. Nor Hisham said more than 500 open burning hotspots had also been identified nationwide during the same period, with Kedah having the highest number at 119. Some 111 open burning hotspots were recorded in Sabah, followed by Selangor (84), Johor (45), Negri Sembilan (41), Terengganu (34), Sarawak (30), Penang (28), Perak (22), Labuan (14), Melaka (11), Pahang and Kelantan (10 each), Perlis (eight), Kuala Lumpur (four) and Putrajaya (one). Hotspots are classified as locations where open burning has been reported thrice. During dry spells, the department worked closely with the Environment Department, local councils and other authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Under the law, those convicted of open burning can be fined not exceeding RM500,000, imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both. 'Our firefighters and resources are always ready for rapid deployment,' Nor Hisham said. 'Teams with specialised firefighting equipment are also deployed for tougher conditions like forest and peat fires, which are particularly challenging during dry weather,' he added. He urged those who witness open burning to immediately report such cases to the authorities. Nor Hisham said open burning episodes can easily escalate during the dry season, due to factors like dry vegetation and soil, wind speed, lack of moisture or uncontrolled flames. 'Safer disposal methods, such as composting or using waste management services, should be used instead,' he said.


New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Rescuers took more than four hours to extricate bodies from Gerik bus crash wreckage
KOTA BARU: Rescuers took more than four hours to extricate the bodies of the victims who died in the bus crash at Jalan Jeli-Gerik near Tasik Banding, early this morning. Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the operation involved personnel from multiple agencies, with the bodies later handed over to the police for further action. He was commenting on the deadly accident which claimed the lives of 15 people, 14 of whom were Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students. Nor Hisham extended his condolences to the victims' families. He also noted that this was the second major road-related road disaster to hit the country this year. "Previously, we lost nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel in an accident," he said, referring to the May 13 incident when an FRU truck collided with a lorry carrying stones on Jalan Chikus–Sungai Lampam in Teluk Intan, Perak. Earlier this morning, 15 people were killed when the bus they were in collided with a Perodua Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) along Jalan Jeli - Grik near Tasik Banding, Perak. A total of 33 people were injured. It is understood that the UPSI bus was travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu to the university's main campus. Firefighters had to cut open the rear section of the bus to extricate the victims.

Barnama
05-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
16 UK-Bred Dogs To Join JBPM K9 Unit By November
KOTA BHARU, June 5 (Bernama) -- A total of 16 dogs from the United Kingdom (UK) to be received by the Fire and Rescue Department's (JBPM) K9 Unit are expected to begin duties in November. JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said each dog costs around RM150,000, adding that five will be deployed to Sabah, two to Sarawak and the remainder to the department's K9 unit base at Jalan Klang Lama in Kuala Lumpur. 'We expect all the dogs to arrive in Malaysia by October, before commencing duties in November after undergoing several processes and training. 'For the selection process, three officers from JBPM, the Veterinary Department, and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) will be sent to the UK. Upon arrival in Malaysia, the dogs will undergo a familiarisation process with their new handlers,' he said. He was speaking to reporters after officiating the 2025 Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption forum here today, also attended by Kelantan JBPM director Farhan Sufyan Borhan. It had been reported that the JBPM K9 Unit will receive 16 new dogs from the UK, valued at RM2.4 million, this year to replace approximately half of the 34 K9 dogs that have reached 10 to 12 years of age, equivalent to 60 years in human age. -- BERNAMA