Kuala Lumpur: About 1,200 creative art practitioners are being targeted to join the Civil Defence Force (APM) Creative Arts Brigade by 2026, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who was appointed as Defence Force Honorary Commissioner today, stated that 172 creative art practitioners, including those from the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), have already registered as members of the APM Creative Arts Brigade.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized the goal to have 1,200 creative art practitioners join the APM Creative Arts Brigade by the next year. He noted that those within the Creative Arts Brigade could inspire more individuals to participate in the APM. This announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Civil Defence Month celebration, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He highlighted the role of creative art practitioners as volunteers, which would allow them to contribute in specific capacities and help the public better understand the APM’s work during disasters. Fahmi also mentioned that the Communications Ministry is committed to raising awareness about APM and disaster-related issues, such as floods.

In preparation for the upcoming preparedness month in October, Fahmi has instructed the Creative Arts Brigade to ensure participation from creative art practitioners in every state. Furthermore, FINAS will support by producing public service announcements related to APM and necessary actions during disasters.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Fahmi were among the 79 individuals receiving appointments as honorary and associate officers of the APM, presented by Ahmad Zahid at the closing of the 2025 Civil Defence Month celebration. Fadillah was appointed as Ketua Pesuruhjaya Perdana (Perdana Chief Commissioner), while Fahmi and Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali were named honorary commissioners.