MAF reviewing allowances to boost reserve force participation, says Chief of Defence Force

PORT DICKSON, Oct 17 — The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is reviewing allowances for its volunteer reserve personnel to encourage greater participation in training and strengthen the reserve force.

Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman said the review was aimed at boosting commitment among reserve force members and strengthening the manpower pool for the regular armed forces.

He said the current hourly rates of RM9.80 and RM8 were relatively low, having last been reviewed around 2022.

“We want them to participate actively in training and activities organised by their respective regiments. Active involvement also gives them additional points if they wish to join the regular force, making the screening process easier,” he told reporters after the passing-out parade for 1,485 recruits from the 206/26 Series of Male Young Soldiers Training here today. Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman was also present.

Malek Razak said an estimated 40 to 50 per cent of registered reserve personnel were inactive, including failing to attend training when called up.

Under existing policy, those who remain inactive for several months or years are removed from the membership list, he said, adding that this hindered efforts to maintain the Territorial Army as a reserve force.

“Our target is a one-to-one ratio between reserve personnel and regular armed forces personnel,” he said.

To improve participation, the MAF will diversify training methods, upgrade infrastructure and strengthen promotional efforts.

Malek Razak said graduates of the Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) were given priority to join the regular armed forces through the graduate officer recruitment scheme and could also receive additional academic credits.

“We believe it is a waste for them to undergo military training, particularly as officers, only to leave after completing their studies. We want them to become the next generation of officers in the regular service,” he said.

In a separate development, he said the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) would hand over some support assets to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) following the planned termination of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission early next year.

The assets include generators, general-purpose vehicles and other equipment that would not need to be returned to Malaysia.

Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said 292 assets worth an estimated US$10 million (about RM42 million) would be handed over in stages until January 2027 for welfare, humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping efforts for local communities.

Malek Razak also urged young people to join the MAF, particularly in technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT), to support the modernisation of the armed forces. — Bernama