KAJANG – The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) has requested the Public Service Department (PSD) to consider increasing its personnel’s permanent and contract positions at district and state levels. The proposal, aimed at enhancing APM’s functions, particularly as the secretariat of state and district disaster committees, was communicated to the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) for consideration by Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Speaking at the MADANI preparedness ceremony for the northeast monsoon season (MTL) at APM’s headquarters in Kajang today, Armizan stated that JPM would soon present the proposal to PSD. He highlighted the necessity of additional posts to strengthen APM’s capabilities.

In preparation for the MTL, APM has increased its readiness with 14,840 personnel, including 1,203 officers and 13,637 members, alongside 991 boats and 675 land assets. Armizan noted that Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang are expected to experience significant floods simultaneously.

APM plans to deploy the Disaster Response Support Team (PARAS) from various states as needed. Teams from Perlis, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and other regions will assist in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Johor, respectively. PARAS, a part of the country’s disaster preparedness enhancement strategies, will be mobilized to provide necessary support during floods.

Additionally, APM has received new assets, including motorcycles, ambulances, four-wheel drive vehicles, and high-powered boats, to bolster its response capabilities in facing the monsoon season.