Sunday October 17, 2010
Territorial army strength to increase by 2020
MALACCA: The Malaysian Armed Forces have set a target of recruiting two volunteers for every permanent army personnel by 2020. Army chief Jen Datuk Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the territorial army was vital as it provides a second frontline in the context of national defence.
“Right now, the territorial army has a total strength of over 60,000 volunteers, and the number will be increased to a ratio of two volunteers for every permanent army personnel by 2020,” he said after four territorial army companies, each for the parliamentary constituency of Bukit Katil, Masjid Tanah, Tangga Batu and Jasin, were launched at Dataran Pahlawan in Bandar Hilir here yesterday. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam launched the four companies involving 400 new volunteers.
Earlier, Zulkifeli said that based on cur-rent developments and globalisation, the country could face security threats at any time. “Therefore, territorial army volunteers must be competent and prepare themselves with consistent and effective training,” he said. Meanwhile, Mohd Ali said the state government had proposed that the 514th Regiment of the territorial army in Bukit Beruang Camp be relocated to Sungai Putat, Batu Berendam.
“We will discuss this with the Defence Ministry as the new area is five times bigger than the existing camp. The necessary infrastructure could be built in a proper manner,” he said. Currently, Malacca has over 1,500 territorial army volunteers, including 23 professionals who were appointed as members of the Territorial Army Support Committee led by State Secretary Datuk Wira Omar Kaseh. – Bernama
