# 999 and MERS 999: Malaysia's Emergency Numbers

> A single number — 999 — routes calls to Malaysia's five emergency agencies through the integrated MERS 999 system, now backed by the SaveME 999 app for GPS location and video/text alerts.

- Category: public-safety
- Language: en
- Status: published
- Updated: 2026-08-01
- Canonical: https://negaraku.md/en/public-safety/mers-999-emergency-numbers

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A single number — **999** — connects you to Malaysia's five emergency agencies, whether you need the police, an ambulance, the fire brigade, civil defence or help at sea. You do not need to remember a different number for each agency; the system behind it routes the call for you.

## What happens when you dial 999?

Your call reaches the operations centre of the **Malaysian Emergency Response Services (MERS 999)**, an integrated system that combines the emergency services of five agencies under a single number. The operator identifies the type of emergency, the location and key information, then routes the call along with that data to the right agency.

The system is built with computer-aided dispatch technology, geographic information systems (GIS), computer-telephone interfaces, voice recording and a medical expert system — so that calls are handled consistently across all agencies. Calls to 999 are **free** and are **recorded and tracked** to deter hoax reports. MERS 999 is operated through a partnership between the Government of Malaysia and Telekom Malaysia Berhad.

## Which agencies can be reached through 999?

A single 999 call reaches all five of the following agencies:

| Agency | When to call it |
| --- | --- |
| Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) | Crime, road accidents, public safety |
| Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM/Bomba) | Fires, rescue operations |
| Ministry of Health Malaysia (ambulance/hospital) | Medical emergencies |
| Civil Defence Force (JPAM/APM) | Humanitarian assistance, disasters |
| Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) | Emergencies at sea |

## How did 991 and 994 become one?

Previously, the public had to remember separate numbers. The **991** line (civil defence) was launched on 21 May 1995, starting in Kuala Lumpur before being expanded nationwide by 13 December 2000.

On **1 October 2007**, four agencies — civil defence (JPAM), police (PDRM), health (KKM) and fire (JBPM) — were consolidated under a single number, 999, replacing old numbers such as 991 and 994. The maritime enforcement agency (APMM) was added later, bringing the total to five agencies today. Two MERS call centres became fully operational in 2008, and coverage was extended with the addition of **seven states** — including Sabah and Sarawak — by 2012. Today, use 999 for all emergencies.

## What are SaveME 999 and the next-generation system?

On **16 November 2025**, Telekom Malaysia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, introduced the **Next Generation MERS 999 (NG MERS 999)** at more than 800 locations nationwide. The new system adds:

- AI-powered analytics and geolocation services
- **Advanced Mobile Location (AML)** to pinpoint a caller's position more accurately
- An integrated five-agency platform
- Secure sovereign cloud hosting

Complementing voice calls is the **SaveME 999** app. It lets users send **video-, text- and multimedia-based** emergency alerts along with **GPS** data, and provides accessibility features for Persons with Disabilities. This means people who are deaf or mute can also reach a 999 operator without a voice call.

| Channel | Use for | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 999 call | All emergencies | Free, recorded and tracked |
| SaveME 999 app | Video/text/multimedia reports + GPS location | Includes accessibility for Persons with Disabilities |

## What is the penalty for making a hoax call?

The emergency line is not for pranks. According to the official MERS 999 portal, making a hoax call can incur a **fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both**, under **Subsection 233(2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998**. Because every call is recorded and tracked, misuse of this line is easily traced — and every hoax call can delay assistance to someone who genuinely needs it.

## What's next

- **Save 999** as your primary emergency number, and download the SaveME 999 app in advance so it is ready to use in an emergency.
- **Know what to say:** the type of emergency, the most precise location possible, and the number of people involved all speed up the response.
- **For details on specific agencies**, refer to the PDRM and Fire and Rescue Department profiles on NegaraKu.md, or the official MERS 999 site at 999.gov.my.

## Sources

- Apa Itu MERS 999? — https://999.gov.my/mers-999/apa-itu-mers-999/ (MERS 999)
- Malaysia Emergency Response Services (MERS) 999 — https://www.malaysia.gov.my/en/my-initiative/cyber-security-and-disaster-response-and-recovery/tindak-balas-serta-pemulihan-bencana/malaysia-emergency-response-services-mers-999 (MyGovernment (Portal Rasmi Kerajaan Malaysia))
- 999 Emergency Services — https://www.civildefence.gov.my/999-emergency-services/?lang=en (Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (APM))
- TM and Govt Introduce Next-Gen 999 Emergency System — https://www.tm.com.my/news/next_gen_999 (Telekom Malaysia Berhad)

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Source of truth: https://github.com/negaraku-md/NegaraKu.md
License: CC BY-SA 4.0