Govt looking to increase number of Civil Defence Force volunteers to 150,000 by end of 2025, says Zahid

By the end of 2025, the government aims to boost the number of Civil Defence Force (CDF) volunteers to 150,000, according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Deputy Prime Minister.

Efforts will be made to increase the number of CDF personnel to meet the needs of the agency in dealing with emergencies and floods, State Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi shared. The push to recruit more volunteers is in light of the current 79,000 officers and personnel. It has been instructed to recruit an additional 64,000 new volunteers.

He expressed confidence that the target of 150,000 volunteers in the APM will be achieved by 2025, as it was not impossible. Zahid was speaking during a working visit to CDF headquarters on Jan 24.

In addition to increasing the number of volunteers, the government is also looking to boost the number of CDF personnel. “The need for new personnel is important,” Zahid said, “but new hires must be based on a permanent basis without pension.”

“Without introducing a new hiring scheme, the government will have to spend RM120bil to cover pensions by 2040,” he added.

Zahid expressed his desire to expand the APM’s Arts Brigade, including the recruitment of well-known actors and singers as volunteers. The group currently includes Datuk Nash, Datuk Hattan, and Rohana Jalil.

He expressed confidence that young artists would join as volunteers and become icons for the agency.

Zahid also called on media practitioners, especially journalists, to join as volunteers through short-term training.

The government is also in the process of searching for additional funds to increase the allowance for APM volunteers and bolster the agency’s capabilities.