KOTA BARU: The Fire and Rescue Department received 80 complaints involving its personnel last year, according to Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad.
Nor Hisham said the complaints were recorded in all states except Kelantan.
They include 52 cases of misconduct, seven cases of sexual misconduct, and four cases of corruption.
Of the 80 complaints, 35 were deemed genuine, 34 were found to be baseless, seven were classified as requiring no further action, and four were still under investigation.
"From the 35 genuine reports, 19 resulted in reminder letters, seven led to disciplinary actions, eight required improvement in services, and one was referred to an enforcement agency.
"I would like to congratulate Kelantan, as no complaints were received involving its personnel last year," he said during his speech before presenting excellence awards for 2023 to 54 Kelantan firemen today.
Also present were state fire and rescue director Zainal Madasin and his deputy, Anwar Abu Bakar.
Nor Hisham emphasised that the department takes misconduct cases involving its personnel seriously and investigates each one thoroughly.
"I want to stress that the department will take serious action against officers involved in disciplinary misconduct.
"We will not compromise on this, as we believe that ethical and skilled officers deserve respect. We want our officers to set an example for the new generation," he added.