KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is still short of achieving its 10% quota for women in the Armed Forces, according to Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat, Adly noted improvements in areas like technology, such as cybersecurity, to increase female participation in the Armed Forces.
The ministry is about two per cent short of its target of 10% as stated in the Defence White Paper.
"This year, we will review the Defence White Paper because we need to revise it every five years within a ten-year period. Through the white paper, we can identify areas to increase women's involvement in the Armed Forces, especially in technology usage," he said during the oral question and answer session on Wednesday (Feb 12).
Adly responded to a supplementary question by Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad (Perikatan Nasional-Kepala Batas) on increasing women's participation in the Armed Forces.
As of Dec 31, 2024, there are 9,550 female personnel serving in the Armed Forces, with 6,574 in the army, 1,953 in the navy, and 1,023 in the air force.
When asked about deployment for critical missions, Adly stated that 222 female ATM personnel have served abroad as of December last year.
"They have participated in humanitarian missions, peacekeeping operations under the United Nations (UN), joint training exercises with strategic partners, and military diplomatic assignments," he added.
The Armed Forces conducted three international humanitarian missions involving 118 female personnel.
These included Op Starlight, a medical aid mission for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh, where 89 female personnel were deployed, an Op Starlight to aid earthquake victims in Turkiye with 21 female personnel, and a medical mission to bring injured Palestinians to Malaysia for treatment involving eight female personnel.
Additionally, 85 female personnel were deployed for the UN peace-keeping mission in Lebanon.
Adly emphasised that promotion opportunities are equally available for both genders.
He highlighted that women's involvement is high in areas like administration and healthcare services, with promotions based on capabilities, ensuring no discrimination between men and women.
"The most important thing is providing them opportunities to enhance their capabilities. The increase in knowledge ensures progress in both their duties and ranks," he added.
