Genting Highlands fire station to be jointly funded by govt and Genting Malaysia as CSR project, set for 2027 completion

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 22 — The Gohtong Jaya Fire and Rescue Station located in Genting Highlands, Pahang, is set to be developed via a public-private partnership and is anticipated to be finished by 2027.

The director-general of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, stated that Genting Malaysia Bhd (GenM) has taken significant measures to support the construction of the station, which includes the appointment of a contractor.

GenM has sought an extension for the construction timeline owing to the intricate technicalities associated with the development of the Genting Highlands region.

"... we have provided GenM with special authorization to prolong the development timeline by 24 months. If all goes well, we anticipate the project will be finalized within a two-year period," Nor Hisham stated following the JBPM monthly assembly and the transfer of two Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) units from MMC Gamuda KVMRT Sdn Bhd here today.

Previously, the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, announced that the Gohtong Jaya Fire and Rescue Station, which will be constructed on a two-acre plot, will be the inaugural facility of its type to be established via a public-private partnership.

Nga stated that the station and quarters, which were approved in 2021 as part of the 12th Malaysia Plan, will obtain partial funding from GenM.

The overall expenditure for the construction of the station is projected to be RM68.3 million, with the government providing RM39 million and the balance being financed by GenM as a component of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

In the meantime, Nor Hisham stated that JBPM will seek tax exemptions for private companies participating in CSR initiatives as a form of acknowledgment for their contributions.

"For instance, we have sought tax exemption packages for GenM to motivate other private enterprises to engage in comparable projects," he stated..

Concerning the two FRTs obtained by JBPM, Nor Hisham emphasized that the units, valued at RM1.73 million, will be positioned along the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) routes to improve operational efficiency.

"The equipment is in outstanding condition, exhibiting minimal mileage, and is prepared for immediate use," he stated, further noting that the specifications align with those utilized by JBPM. — Bernama