Penang Deputy Speaker and Bayan Lepas state assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir bin Aziz has called on the government to immediately suspend the newly launched “Next Generation 999 Emergency Response System” (NG999) following multiple complaints from the public about the service’s malfunctions.
Azrul, who is also the state’s Deputy Speaker, said he had received reports from residents that the NG999 app was not functioning properly, and that calls made through the new system were going unanswered. “This morning, an urgent case in Kenari, Sungai Nyior, could not get a response through the 999 hotline,” he said, describing the issue as a serious threat to public safety.
He emphasized that the failure of the system could prevent timely emergency response, endangering lives.
NG999 Draws Criticism from NGOs
Several non-governmental organizations involved in emergency and rescue services have also expressed disappointment with NG999, claiming the system was launched without thorough testing, and its shortcomings became apparent within days of implementation. “The system has clearly failed just days after going live,” Azrul said.
He urged the authorities to reinstate the previous emergency hotline system to ensure public safety, warning that citizens’ lives should not be put at risk due to technological glitches.
Increased Burden on Community Rescue Groups
Azrul noted that while Penang has numerous NGOs engaged in emergency rescue, the problems with NG999 have disrupted coordination and increased response times for urgent cases, sometimes delaying assistance by more than two hours. He stressed that although NGOs play a critical role, the public relies primarily on the 999 hotline in emergencies.
The Deputy Speaker said he had raised the issue with federal authorities through parliamentary channels, calling for an urgent and comprehensive resolution.
Alternative Emergency Contact List Provided
Until NG999 issues are fully resolved, Azrul has shared a list of alternative emergency contacts for Penang Island and Seberang Perai residents, including hospitals and community rescue organizations:
| Area | Organization / Hospital | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Penang Island | Penang Hospital | 04-226 8527 |
| Balik Pulau Hospital | 04-643 8799 | |
| Bukit Mertajam Hospital | 04-222 7799 | |
| Lam Wah Ee Hospital | 04-652 8686 | |
| Loh Guan Lye Hospital | 04-226 6911 | |
| Eng Ho Hospital | 04-222 9199 | |
| Kek Lok Si Hospital | 04-828 3233 | |
| Penang Safe | 016-441 6053 / 013-489 7822 | |
| Sa Ambulance | 011-1051 0991 | |
| George Town Community Emergency Response Team | 016-756 7991 | |
| Promedic Ambulance | 011-5685 8206 | |
| Pfr Ambulance | 018-911 7999 | |
| Lung Wei Volunteer Guard | 017-723 9110 | |
| Pkkt Team | 016-418 1862 / 016-448 8392 | |
| Ceat Team | 012-493 9948 | |
| Pskpg | 016-441 6053 | |
| Malaysian Red Crescent Penang | 04-827 5678 | |
| Seberang Perai | CERT Penang (Bukit Mertajam) | 016-202 9835 |
| PBKBM Hotline | 1700-81-6293 | |
| Code Blue & KC Ambulance (Butterworth) | 018-255 9991 / 018-266 9991 | |
| PBK B.M Ambulance | 017-0081 6293 | |
| PKJSPPP (Butterworth) | 013-297 4444 | |
| PKS BM | 016-577 3991 | |
| PPKS SP | 012-381 8931 | |
| PKS KS | 011-3410 9997 |
