KUCHING: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) has enough manpower to aid those who are in need with the help of the local community.
According to Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs, and Special Duties) Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, the aid given by its volunteer members has helped APM handle any emergency situation swiftly.
“In an effort to prepare these members for any situation, APM gathered the volunteers from the rural areas to take part in a day-long programme in Tibau where they will be trained.
“This is one of our directions in APM because if any emergency were to happen in the rural parts, our volunteers there would be the first to respond and help those in need,” he said at a press conference after officiating the handover ceremony of safety boats at the Civil Defence Centre (PUSPA) Sarawak here today (June 17).
When asked whether APM will absorb the volunteers into its permanent force, Ugak said that it will be possible as long as all the merits are met.
“Of course, the absorption of the volunteers will be decided by the APM itself. But if the volunteer has sufficient training and merit, we will discuss taking them into our permanent force,” he said.
