KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11  -- The wait is finally over for the 14,400 members of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) who will receive the special allowance for Fire Services Scheme after the government announced it through the 2020 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Commenting on the new incentive, JBPM director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said the provision of the allowance claimed since 2015 would ease the financial burden of firefighters in the face of rising cost of living.

“The approval will directly enhance the spirit and morale as well as motivate members to continue to provide fire and rescue, fire safety, humanitarian and incident management services more efficiently and with more dedication.

"We would also like to thank all Malaysians for their continued support, comments and attention to our services, including the welfare of firefighters nationwide," he said when contacted.

Mohammad Hamdan also expressed appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the government.

In presenting the Budget 2020 today, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng announced a RM200 monthly allowance with an allocation of RM35 million to JBPM members.

The Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA) director-general Zulkifli Abidin, said the increase in the allowance proved that the government recognised the duties and role of the department.

"I believe this increase will provide a moral boost to our members in ensuring our role in keeping the community safe is enhanced," he said.

In the Budget 2020, the government also announced an increase in allowances of RM2 per hour beginning Jan 1, 2020 with a total allocation of RM26 million to RELA.

-- BERNAMA