SHAH ALAM: From next year, Members of Parliament will be asked to allocate part of their constituency funds to provide uniforms for the Civil Defence Force (APM) in their respective areas.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the initiative aims to strengthen the uniformed body and encourage greater public participation in civil defence.
“All ministry staff are also encouraged to join APM,” he told reporters after officiating the 16th National Civil Defence Students’ Corps (Kor SISPA) Graduation Parade and Commissioning Ceremony at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) here on Saturday (Aug 16).
The ceremony was graced by Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir and APM Chief Commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed were present.
During the event, 24 officers representing various higher learning institutions received the Best SISPA Cadet Officer Award, along with a special award – the Chief Commissioner’s Premier Trophy (Best Among The Best). A total of 918 students were commissioned as Second Lieutenants (Civil Defence).
Ahmad Zahid also said that civil defence represents the ‘second line’ of national security after the armed forces and police, adding that the training equips members with resilience, discipline and strong character needed to face emergencies and safeguard the nation. – Bernama
