KUALA LUMPUR: Challenges faced by the reserve and volunteer branches of the armed forces must be addressed to boost readiness, says Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.
Despite “encouraging achievements”, he said, there were still challenges such as recruitment, retention and mobilisation readiness.
“In this regard, there is significant potential to further strengthen the reserve force as a resilient and responsive strategic support component that meets current defence requirements,” he said at the 19th Conference of Chairpersons of the Support Committees of the Malaysian Volunteer Force yesterday.
Lokman said the government was committed to providing comprehensive support to the force through the provision of benefits and facilities covering welfare, training, protection and recognition of their service.
“These measures are intended not only to encourage public participation but also to support member retention and enhance overall readiness levels.
“Accordingly, promotional efforts need to be strengthened in a more strategic and focused manner, including through collaboration with state governments, employers, educational institutions and local communities to increase public awareness, interest and participation, particularly among youth and professional groups.”
He said currently, there were 36,610 personnel from the reserve branches with 28,213 members of the Territorial Army, 5,419 members in the Navy Reserve Force, and 2,978 members serving in the Air Force Reserve Force.
“These figures reflect the significant contribution in supporting the operational requirements and readiness of the armed forces.”
The expansion target has been set at around 95,000 personnel in total, Lokman said.
The Defence Ministry said yesterday’s meeting was the first following a 10-year hiatus, with participants including the senior leadership of the armed forces.
“The conference serves as an important platform to coordinate joint initiatives, explore appropriate incentives, and optimise resource sharing between the federal government and state governments to ensure the sustainable development and continuity of a reserve force that is responsive to current defence needs.
“Safeguarding national sovereignty requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. Therefore, the strengthening of national defence must be driven by the collective commitment of the entire government machinery, state governments, the private sector, and society,” it said.
