MPs slam emergency app failures, ‘lives at risk, system in chaos’
Machang MP demanded a national audit, arguing the flawed rollout which allegedly bypassed dry runs and beta releases was symptomatic of deeper governmental delivery failures that put citizens' lives at risk.
SHAH ALAM – A new multi-ministerial emergency response system has been sharply branded "stupid" and potentially life-jeopardising by an Opposition lawmaker, who accused the government of failing to conduct essential testing before a nationwide launch.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal demanded a national audit, arguing the flawed rollout which allegedly bypassed dry runs and beta releases was symptomatic of deeper governmental delivery failures that put citizens' lives at risk.
He said proof of concept appeared poorly executed, with insufficient trial runs or beta testing before full deployment.
“There should have been a trial run in a limited location, for example for a month, to assess the effectiveness of the app and the system.
“Public feedback during this period could then inform whether it’s ready for a wider release. I don’t know how many millions the budget was, but this process needed to be done properly,” he said when contacted recently.
The former Bersatu Armada chief emphasised that while system delays were not solely to blame, the government must examine both emergency response efficiency and overall service delivery.
“There is a need for a national audit, not just of emergency responses, but of the government’s overall delivery performance in such situations,” he added.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal stressed that alternative solutions, including mobile units in rural areas integrated with healthcare services, should be explored if traditional methods fail to address coverage gaps.
Meanwhile, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan acknowledged that initial problems were expected with new systems, but said failures in an emergency platform have serious consequences.
“With any new system, there are always initial problems, this is expected. However, when we are talking about an emergency system, these teething issues can have a significant impact because they involve safety and even lives.
“That is why, even if the government says that only a small number of problems have arisen, they must still be treated seriously and addressed,” he told Sinar Daily.
Syahredzan urged the government to clarify whether proper training and testing were conducted before full implementation, noting that any claims of deaths due to delayed ambulance responses must be thoroughly investigated.
“We must acknowledge that there are problems with this app and system on the ground. In my view, the government should take these issues very seriously and look at how to resolve them,” he added.
Public frustration has been mounting over the NG MERS 999 and the SaveME999 app, with users reporting delays in ambulance responses and difficulties navigating the app.
Some shared tragic experiences exacerbated by poor network coverage.
It was reported that Telekom Malaysia, the Communications Ministry and the Health Ministry have reassured the public that the 999 hotline remained fully operational, while the app served as an additional tool for sending video, text or multimedia alerts.
NG MERS 999, launched on Nov 16, consolidates emergency services on a modern digital platform designed to improve response times using AI, geolocation and inter-agency coordination.
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