Firefighters Take Delivery of 30 New Sitrak G5

The delivery of 30 new Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) units to the Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) is more than a routine fleet renewal exercise as it represents a notable shift in how specialised commercial vehicles are being procured, deployed and integrated into Malaysia’s emergency response ecosystem.

Valued at approximately RM60 million, the new FRTs replace fire engines that have been in service for over two decades. For JBPM, reliability and dependability directly affect life-saving outcomes. In this particular case, the move underscores the growing importance of lifecycle management in government fleets. Ageing assets not only drive-up maintenance costs, but also limit operational efficiency. Accordingly, it can be seen as a case study of an issue familiar to any commercial vehicle operator.

From an industry perspective, the procurement stands out for its adoption of a Public-Private-People Partnership (4P) model. This approach departs from conventional government tender processes by emphasising faster delivery timelines and improved cost efficiency. For the truck suppliers and bodybuilders, it signals a potential shift towards more agile procurement frameworks.

Equally significant is the international dimension of the deal. The FRT units were delivered through a Malaysia–China collaboration, reflecting deeper bilateral ties and opening the door for increased participation of foreign OEMs and specialised vehicle manufacturers in Malaysia’s emergency and municipal vehicle segments. Supplying the vehicles is Kapar-based Sendok Group, which is a market leader in the Chinese truck segment.

On the ground, the operational impact is immediate. The new FRTs are being distributed across multiple states, with priority given to stations still operating legacy units. This targeted deployment strategy mirrors best practices in fleet optimisation whereby a dispersed organisation is allocating newer, higher-capability assets where demand and risk profiles are highest.

The base vehicles are Sitrak G5, with EURO V engines, boasting a 6.9L engine with 330 Hp. Features to be highlighted are the G5-M long cab, which comes with up and down/ front and back adjustable steering wheel, electronic automatic air conditioning, rollover sleeper, double lock structure safety belt and seating capacity of 2+2+4. The new-generation FRTs are understood to feature improved pumping capacity, enhanced onboard systems and better crew ergonomics. These enhancements align with global trends in firefighting vehicles, where safety, speed of deployment and multifunctionality are increasingly critical.

For the broader commercial vehicle industry, the JBPM acquisition highlights several key trends: the rising importance of specialised vehicle segments, the influence of international partnerships, and the government’s willingness to explore alternative procurement models. It also reinforces the idea that public-sector demand can serve as a catalyst for innovation and competition within the CV space.

Source：Asian Trucker

Image Source：Sendok Group, Malaysia