The Malaysian Armed Forces aims to grow its volunteer force to 95,000 members, aligning with the national defence strategy for enhanced preparedness.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Volunteer Force has set a recruitment target of 95,000 personnel.
Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali said this goal aligns with the need to comprehensively strengthen national defence preparedness.
The target comprises 80,000 personnel for the Territorial Army, 10,000 for the Royal Malaysian Navy Volunteer Reserve, and 5,000 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Lokman Hakim said this target must be viewed within the context of implementing the Comprehensive Defence Pillars from the Defence White Paper.
He stated this approach emphasises a whole-of-government and whole-of-society strategy to bolster defence capabilities.
“As of Dec 31 last year, the MAF Volunteer Force stood at 36,610 personnel,” he said during the 19th Malaysian Volunteer Force Support Committee Chairmen’s Meeting.
This figure includes 28,213 Territorial Army members, 5,419 Navy reservists, and 2,978 Air Force reservists.
He noted their significant contribution in supporting the MAF’s operational needs and overall preparedness.
Achieving the new target will require a focused and integrated approach covering intake, training, welfare, and resource support.
Effective coordination among the Federal Government, state governments, and all stakeholders is essential.
Lokman Hakim acknowledged that recruitment, retention, and mobilisation preparedness remain key challenges.
“In this matter, there is a significant potential to strengthen the Volunteer Force as a strategic support component,” he added.
The government remains committed to providing holistic support through benefits and facilities.
This support encompasses welfare, training, protection, and recognition to encourage participation.
The meeting brought together 23 members, including chairmen of State Support Committees or their representatives.
It is the first such gathering since 2015, aiming to renew and strengthen the national coordination mechanism for the volunteer force.
The meeting also serves to coordinate joint initiatives and explore suitable incentives.
Optimising resource sharing between Federal and state governments is another key objective.
Also present were MAF Headquarters Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri and Army Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim. – Bernama
