By Norul Hanizan Hazin, Alumni Centre

In public safety, where preparedness, precision, and sustained leadership are paramount, TPjB Datuk Ts. Nazili Haji Mahmood shines as a leader who rose through the ranks. In service since 1997, he is currently Director of Development, Engineering, and Logistics Division at the Headquarters of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) and is Deputy Commissioner of Fire.

His career reflects a blend of operational experience, strategic management, and innovation, qualities that strengthen Malaysia’s emergency response and public safety ecosystem. Datuk Ts. Nazili’s journey is anchored in a strong academic background. He holds a Diploma in Agricultural Science (1992) and a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (Marine) (1996) from Universiti Putra Malaysia Terengganu Branch (UPMT), now Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). He completed a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development (2015) from Universiti Putra Malaysia. This combination of applied science and human capital development has shaped his leadership style, balancing technical competence, organisational efficiency, and personnel welfare.

Appointed Fire Officer Cadet in 1997, Datuk Ts. Nazili has served across every functional area within JBPM, including training, operations, and senior management. Key appointments include:

1. Commandant, Fire and Rescue Academy Malaysia, Kuala Kubu Bharu
2. Deputy Director of Fire, Pahang State
3. Director of Fire, Melaka State
4. Director of Fire, Kelantan State
5. Director, Air Operations Division, JBPM Headquarters

These experiences laid a foundation for his current role, overseeing national development planning, engineering systems and logistics readiness for the department.

Widely recognised for professional excellence, Datuk Ts. Nazili has completed specialised trainings and international certifications, including Fire Investigation Techniques in Japan, Advanced Fire Investigation in the United States, and Structural Fire Fighting and Fire Safety Systems courses in Australia and the United Kingdom. He has also completed advanced leadership programmes, including the Advanced Leadership and Management Programme (ALMP).

He has led major national and international emergency operations. Notably, he served as Operations Commander for the Search and Rescue Mission following the landslide in Guinsaugon, Leyte, Philippines. Domestically, he has coordinated responses to floods, forest fires, transportation accidents and humanitarian logistics operations.

On the innovation front, he helped establish JBPM’s first Drone Unit, enhancing aerial surveillance and search-and-rescue capabilities. He also strengthened the Regional Air Base framework, improving inter-agency coordination nationwide.

Beyond operations, Datuk Ts. Nazili actively contributes to organisational and community development, holding leadership roles in welfare, sports and cultural associations within JBPM, including MASKAB and the Fire and Rescue Cooperative of Malaysia.

His contributions have been recognised through Excellent Service Awards, federal and state honours, and his promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Fire in May 2025. More than titles, his legacy lies in exemplary leadership forged through experience, disciplined service and commitment to national safety, inspiring alumni and students alike that true leadership is built through perseverance, adaptability and service to society.