The Next Generation Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (NG MERS999) is a continuation of the existing MERS999 system that has been in operation since 2007, and not a new project, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil clarified today.
He said the latest contract awarded to Telekom Malaysia (TM) focuses on replacing obsolete equipment and software, noting that parts of the old system were still running on outdated platforms such as Windows XP.
“Much of the equipment and software had reached their expiry date. NG MERS999 is simply an upgrade to the system that has been operating since 2007,” he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Lembah Pantai Indian Community Cyber Scam Awareness Seminar.
He added that the upgraded system now covers more than 800 locations, compared to about 400 previously.
Addressing public claims about the SaveMe999 application, Fahmi said the app is not new nor valued at RM1.25 billion, as alleged. The application has existed since 2013 and has undergone improvements, including added features for persons with disabilities (OKU).
“The development cost for the app is very minimal. Most of the expenditure goes toward data management, totalling about RM830,000 a year,” he said.
Fahmi added that the government has requested TM to integrate MyDigital ID and improve the user experience (UX) in the next version of the app.
Meanwhile, he said the Cyber Scam Awareness Seminar, organised by the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR), supports the government’s efforts to strengthen public knowledge and practical skills in identifying, avoiding, and reporting online scams.
The seminar, attended by more than 100 participants, was held in response to the rising number of cyber scam cases that continue to affect Malaysians and the national economy.
