PUTRAJAYA, Oct 2 — A total of 155 officers and members, along with 12 assets from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), have been deployed to ensure that the levels of safety, emergency preparedness, and rescue operations are at an optimum level throughout the hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the assignment is part of the department’s commitment to supporting the organisation of international-level sports events in Malaysia, and this is in addition to ensuring safety and operational readiness aspects are always at the best level.

The department is always ready to provide support in organising large-scale events, especially those involving the public as well as participants and delegates from both within and outside the country.

“The assignment of JBPM officers, personnel, and assets to strategic locations is to ensure that any emergency and rescue needs can be addressed quickly, orderly and effectively,” he said in a statement today.

He said that 12 departmental assets are being mobilised throughout the event, comprising a Fire Rescue Tender, two Compact Fire Rescue Tenders, one 10,000-litre water tanker, three Emergency Medical Rescue Services ambulances and four JBPM buses.

According to him, an A109E helicopter has also been stationed at the SIC to strengthen JBPM’s operational readiness and to support monitoring, emergency and rescue operations if needed.

Regarding personnel, Nor Hisham said that 153 officers and firefighters, comprising fire marshals, medical teams, and medevac personnel, have been assigned to the location for preparedness purposes.

He also said that coordination involving the JBPM, organisers, and related agencies has also been strengthened to ensure that the operational readiness level throughout the grand prix remains at the designated level.

“The safety of visitors, participants, officers, and all parties involved is a priority, and JBPM will ensure that every assignment is carried out based on the established standard operating procedures,” he added.

The organisation of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 over three days, starting today, is a world-class motorsport event that has returned to Malaysia after Sepang last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017. — Bernama