Deputy Defence Minister says RM20 million Jiwa Murni Programme allocation will expand community outreach and strengthen civil-military cooperation.
ALOR GAJAH: The additional RM20 million allocation for implementing the Jiwa Murni Programme next year will further enhance collaboration between the Malaysian Armed Forces and civilian communities.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that restructuring the programme through a more progressive approach under the Civil-Military Cooperation concept will help the public understand that national defence is a shared responsibility.
He noted that with the current RM10 million allocation, the programme has already conducted over 300 community outreach initiatives nationwide.
“We hope that with the new model and additional funding, we can expand more activities, particularly in rural areas, including Orang Asli communities as well as in Sabah and Sarawak,” he told Bernama after officiating the Melaka State-level Jiwa Murni Programme at Kampung Belimbing Dalam.
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Adly emphasised that the public needs to understand defence personnel not only protect the nation but also serve the community through such engagement efforts.
The two-day programme featured various activities including static exhibitions of military assets and weapons alongside career promotion sessions.
Health screenings, veteran affairs service counters, and a 5 kilometre Fun Run were also organised for community participation.
Adly presented mock cheques to five recipients under the Melaka State Jiwa Murni Programme during the event.
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He also distributed assistance to four recipients of the MAF Veterans Affairs Department Housing Initiative and four MAF veterans.
Thirteen recipients of the Alor Gajah Parliamentary Constituency People-Friendly Project received support alongside 500 Bakul Rahmah distributed to community representatives.
In a separate development, Adly confirmed the Malaysian Armed Forces remain on standby to assist with flood response efforts in affected states.
“We are closely monitoring the current flood situation, and MAF personnel and assets will be on standby should they be required to assist states affected by the disaster,” said the Alor Gajah MP.
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He affirmed that the military will work closely with the National Disaster Management Agency in responding to the ongoing flood season affecting Kedah, Penang, and Perak.
“As we have done previously, including during the recent floods in Sabah, we will deploy assistance as needed,” he added.
The Deputy Defence Minister assured that for the ongoing flood phase, the armed forces are prepared and will mobilise immediately if necessary. – Bernama
