SEREMBAN, April 22 - The Dog Detection Unit (K9) of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) will receive 16 new dogs from the United Kingdom (UK) this year, amounting to RM2.4 million.

According to the Director General of JBPM, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, this is to replace half of the existing 34 detection dogs that have reached the age of 12 years.

"The initial selection process of 20 dogs has already been completed in the UK. So in June, we will begin sending three of our officers to train with the instructors there.

“They will train first, and then from the 20, they will reduce it to the number we want, which is 16.

If any of the selected puppies are not suitable at that time, they will look for others.

So, this is the process that will take place over three months,” he told reporters after attending the Aidilfitri Friendship Ceremony here.

In addition, three JBPM officers will be sent to the United Kingdom for initial training with instructors.

He stated that the dogs include breeds such as the English Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever, which are found to be more suitable for the weather in Malaysia and have special disciplines that are more effective.

Nor Hisham mentioned that there are four special disciplines prioritized for the K9 dogs, namely Forest or Rural Rescue Dogs, Fire Dogs, Water Body Recovery Dogs, and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Dogs.

“God willing, if everything goes smoothly, some of the 16 dogs we purchase will be used for training in Malaysia, and we will conduct internal training together with Genting World Berhad for other disciplines,” he said.

Additionally, he stated that 30 new fire engines worth RM45 million will be received within the next six months to replace old engines through a disposal and exchange process with the appointed company.

Nor Hisham expressed hope that the replacement of these new assets would enhance the team's excellence and ensure they are always at their best.