KUALA LUMPUR: The Special Aidilfitri Assistance of RM300 that will be given to more than 200,000 volunteers of enforcement agencies shows that the government always pays attention to them.
Civil Defence Force (APM) chief commissioner Aminurrahim Mohamed (pic) said it was also a form of recognition and appreciation to those who are willing to serve at any time and place.
"I consider this gift as the government's effort by to express gratitude to volunteers and have never received anything like this before.
"We have more volunteers, about 10,000, compared to just 1,300 permanent personnel nationwide. So we are very dependent on them," he told Bernama on Friday (March 31).
Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (Rela) director-general Datuk Yahya Sulaiman said the provision of additional incentives in the 2023 Budget was the realisation of the aspirations of the Malaysia Madani concept.
"They (government) doesn't just talk, but they act. This shows the an element that takes human affairs into account. We deliver and the government also delivers," he said while expressing his gratitude to the government for appreciating the sacrifices of Rela volunteers, whom he described as the unsung heroes.
Meanwhile, Mohd Yusof Shafee Mohamad, 44, a volunteer fireman at Beranang volunteer fire station, Selangor, said the 'Raya money' would boost the morale of volunteers.
Mohd Yusof, who has been a volunteer since 1998, said he hoped that more clarification could be provided on who was entitled to the aid, as this was still unclear among volunteer firemen.
"Apart from volunteer firemen, there are also auxiliary firefighters who are similar to Rela members.
"They are paid volunteers but if the government announces a bonus, for example, they will not get it," he said.
Sofea Ezzora Mohd Asri, a Civil Defence Force Special Team (Paspa) member at Kuala Lumpur APM headquarters, said the RM300 aid showed that the government showd concern for the welfare of APM personnel.
When tabling the Supply Bill 2023 for the second reading in the Dewan Negara on Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that more than 200,000 volunteers under Rela, the Civil Defence Force, as well as police and fire volunteers, would receive RM300 for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. – Bernama
