KUALA LUMPUR: Firemen and rescuers will receive a monthly special allowance of RM200 beginning April 1, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Tan Sri Noh Omar said.
Noh said the allowance was mooted as a token of appreciation over the sacrifices made by all 13,342 fire and rescue department members nationwide.
"The allowance was approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in lieu with upcoming Firefighter's Day to be celebrated here on April 28," Noh said during the winding session of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V today.
He also announced an increase of service allowance for department volunteers from RM6 to RM8 for members and RM7.80 to RM9.80 for officers.
"The firefighters are always exposed to danger. Hence, the relevance of the special allowance."
The government had allocated RM2.6 million monthly for the allowance.
Reporting by Syed Umar Ariff; Rohaniza Idris; Meor Riduwan Meor Ahmad; Nur Lela Zulkipli; and Siti Nur Mas Erah Amran