SKILLED PROFESSIONALS URGED TO JOIN TERRITORIAL ARMY TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL DEFENCE

PETALING JAYA, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- Individuals with technical expertise in critical sectors such as oil and gas (O&G), medical services, geo-spatial and information technology (IT) 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 said the participation of such professionals is in line with the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) target of achieving a one-to-one ratio between reserve personnel and regular forces by 2033.

He said specialised expertise in these strategic fields would serve as a ‘force multiplier’ to the regular forces through the concept of Total Defence (HANRUH).

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“National defence cannot rely solely on regular personnel. We are planning 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 to support defence efforts and address the spread of inaccurate information,” he said.

He was speaking at the launch of Rapid Rail Squadron 50 of the Railway Specialist Regiment, Royal Engineer Regiment (RAJD), Territorial Army, at Menara Prasarana here today.

Also present were 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, as well as Prasarana Malaysia Berhad Group President and Chief Executive Officer Lieutenant Colonel Amir Hamdan.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled described the launch of Rapid Rail Squadron 50 as a best-practice model in integrating civilian industry expertise into the military logistics structure, particularly in facing unexpected situations.

He said the security and operational readiness of rail services, which constitute strategic public transport infrastructure, must always be maintained at an optimum level not only during peacetime but also in times of crisis or security threats.

Rapid Rail Squadron 50 of the Railway Specialist Regiment RAJD (Territorial Army) functions as a specialist unit supporting the Army in protection, technical support and restoration of urban rail infrastructure during emergencies, natural disasters, sabotage or large-scale operational disruptions.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative, Mohamed Khaled called on employers in the 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.

-- BERNAMA