Confused over emergency numbers

By PIAREE RAJANDRAN

PETALING JAYA: There is still much confusion among the public regarding emergency numbers, with some knowing the numbers but not knowing which service they are for.

Those interviewed by The Star said they did not know emergency numbers like 994 or 995 existed and all of them did not know that they could use their mobile phone to dial 112 for emergency services.

“I know emergency numbers such as 999 and 991, but I don’t really know which department they connect me to,” said 35-year-old Jennifer Chan, a manager from Taman Desa.

Many also related their experiences when using emergency numbers.

Consultant Benji Sgong, 46, from Damansara said that he was aware of emergency numbers. He has called 999 before during an emergency, but it took around 10 minutes for it to be answered.

“The response time was bad and they were not efficient. However, the police did take down all the details pertaining to the emergency,” he said.

“The ambulance arrived much later and the injured victim had to be taken to the hospital by taxi,” he said.

Customer service executive Norhayati Shawai, 40, said she called 999 many years ago when an incident occurred in a factory.

“The police answered the call immediately. I had called to double check if anyone had reported the incident and the police said that they were already on their way,” said the executive from Petaling Jaya.

Bank worker Hanis Amirah, 21, said that when she called to report a fire, the police answered immediately and the Fire and Rescue Department arrived within five minutes.

Student Sukhvin Kaur, 22, and investment banker Aaron Agnel, 25, said they were aware of which numbers to call but have not had a reason to use them.

Which line do you call for help?

BY ROYCE CHEAH and ANDREW SAGAYAM

PETALING JAYA: In an emergency, do you call 999, 994, 991, 995 or 112?

If you find this confusing, you are not alone. That was the general feeling of most people The Star spoke to in a street poll.

Currently, 999 serves as a general emergency number, 994 is the hotline for the Fire and Rescue Department, 991 for the Civil Defence Department and 995 for gas-related emergencies. If you are using a cell phone, you have to call 112.
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