JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 11 — Johor firefighters with Body Mass Index (BMI) readings over 30 have been told to undergo a six-month programme to get their bodies back into peak fitness.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department Siti Rohani Nadir said 143 officers have been identified, adding that most are aged 40 and above, The New Straits Times reported today.
“This is not cosmetic. Firemen are entrusted with saving lives on land, sea and air. They must be physically fit to carry out high-stakes operations effectively,” she was quoted saying in a press conference here.
The officers, about 10 per cent of Johor’s firefighting force, will join the Wellness Hub Rehabilitation and Strengthening Programme from June to November under certified trainers.
“This involves structured physical training, dietary control and monthly progress checks.
“The target is to reduce BMI to 29 per cent by year-end, and 28 by next year,” Siti Rohani added.
She said those who fail to meet their targets will stay in the programme but won’t be eligible for excellent service awards or promotions.
The programme, run with the Health Ministry, includes personalised diet plans and monitoring of body fat and water composition to ensure every firefighter is mission-ready.
Last year, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that fire department promotions would be tied to BMI, aligning the service with police fitness standards.
