The emergency services is not usually something you hear in the news, even if everyone knows the number to dial in case of one. Officially, it’s known as the Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999, but it looks like it will soon be upgraded to the next Generation Emergency Services 999 (NG999). And TM has announced that it has signed an agreement with the Malaysian government to develop and operate the new emergency response system.
What this upgrade entails is, broadly speaking, the digitalisation of the service. Or as the press release describes it, “an integrated strategic digital system that will enhance the sharing of resources and data between emergency responders and relevant central agencies”. This means the inclusion of web-based digital maps, caller IDs, geolocation services and mobile apps into the process.
The goal of upgrading is the improvement of response times to emergencies, using the aforementioned tools. TM also says that “a new mobile app for NG999” will be introduced to “enable updates through text, photos and videos for registered users”.
According to the announcement, NG999 comes following the footsteps of the European Emergency Number Association’s NG112 and the US’ National Emergency Number Association NG911. Though the announcement only notes that TM and the Malaysian government are working together on the endeavour, with no mention on when these changes will apply to the average citizen.
(Source: TM)
