Kuala lumpur: From next year, members of parliament will be asked to allocate part of their constituency funds to provide uniforms for members of the Civil Defence Force (APM) in their respective areas. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced this initiative, which aims to strengthen the uniformed body and encourage greater public participation in civil defence.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that all ministry staff are also encouraged to join APM. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after officiating the 16th National Civil Defence Students' Corps (Kor SISPA) Graduation Parade and Commissioning Ceremony at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The ceremony was graced by the presence of Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, along with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir and APM Chief Commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed.

During the event, 24 officers from various higher learning institutions were honored with the Best SISPA Cadet Officer Award. Additionally, they received a special award, the Chief Commissioner's Premier Trophy for being the Best Among The Best. A total of 918 students were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in Civil Defence.

Ahmad Zahid emphasized that civil defence represents the 'second line' of national security following the armed forces and police. He added that the training provided equips members with resilience, discipline, and a strong character necessary to handle emergencies and safeguard the nation.