Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Volunteer Force has set a target of expanding its personnel to 95,000, aligning with the nation's strategic goal to strengthen defence readiness, announced Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali. This expansion involves specific targets for different branches: 80,000 personnel for the Territorial Army, 10,000 for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Volunteer Reserve, and 5,000 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Volunteer Reserve.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Lokman Hakim stated that the aim is part of the Comprehensive Defence Pillars outlined in the Defence White Paper (KPP). This framework emphasizes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to enhance national defence capabilities through active government and community engagement. As of December 31 of the previous year, the MAF Volunteer Force comprised 36,610 personnel, with 28,213 in the Territorial Army, 5,419 in the RMN Volunteer Reserve, and 2,978 in the RMAF Volunteer Reserve, reflecting their essential role in supporting MAF's operational needs.
Speaking at the 19th Malaysian Volunteer Force Support Committee (SPJP) Chairmen's Meeting at Wisma Perwira MAF, Lokman Hakim highlighted the need for a focused and integrated approach to achieve the target. This approach would encompass aspects such as intake, training, welfare, and resource support, with effective coordination among the Federal Government, state governments, and other stakeholders. He acknowledged the achievements of the Volunteer Force while noting ongoing challenges in recruitment, retention, and mobilisation preparedness that require structured solutions.
The government, Lokman Hakim assured, is committed to providing comprehensive support to the Volunteer Force through benefits and facilities that enhance welfare, training, protection, and recognition, thereby encouraging greater participation. The 19th Volunteer Force SPJP meeting, which includes 23 members from State Support Committees, aims to renew and strengthen the national coordination mechanism of the MAF Volunteer Force and explore joint initiatives and resource-sharing opportunities.
Also present at the meeting were MAF Headquarters Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri and Army Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim.