Kuala lumpur: Individuals with technical expertise in critical sectors such as oil and gas, medical services, geo-spatial, and information technology are encouraged to join the Territorial Army as part of a strategy to strengthen the national defence system. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized the importance of such participation to achieve the Malaysian Armed Forces' target of a one-to-one ratio between reserve personnel and regular forces by 2033.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Defence Minister highlighted that specialized expertise in strategic fields would act as a 'force multiplier' to the regular forces through the concept of Total Defence (HANRUH). He stressed that national defence cannot rely solely on regular personnel and outlined plans to expand the reserve force ecosystem by establishing specialist regiments in critical sectors, including health, geo-spatial, petroleum and gas, as well as the media and broadcasting sector. This expansion aims to support defence efforts and address the spread of inaccurate information.
Mohamed Khaled made these remarks at the launch of Rapid Rail Squadron 50 of the Railway Specialist Regiment, Royal Engineer Regiment (RAJD), Territorial Army, at Menara Prasarana. The event was attended by notable figures, including Chief of Defence Force General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman, Army Chief General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, Air Force Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad Group President and CEO Lieutenant Colonel Amir Hamdan.
The Defence Minister described the launch of Rapid Rail Squadron 50 as a model for integrating civilian industry expertise into the military logistics structure, particularly for unexpected situations. He underscored the necessity of maintaining the security and operational readiness of rail services, a strategic public transport infrastructure, during both peacetime and crises.
Rapid Rail Squadron 50 of the Railway Specialist Regiment RAJD (Territorial Army) functions as a specialist unit supporting the Army in the protection, technical support, and restoration of urban rail infrastructure during emergencies, natural disasters, sabotage, or large-scale operational disruptions. To ensure the initiative's success, Mohamed Khaled urged employers in relevant sectors to provide full support by allowing training leave for employees who choose to serve as reserve personnel in the interest of national sovereignty.