From June 2, Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia (Rela) or Malaysia People’s Volunteer Corps will get a new, more suitable name in line with its role as a national security agency.

Its director-general Mustafa Ibrahim said with the enforcement of the new name, Rela would be known as Pasukan Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia.

“Although the change is slight involving the addition of a word (pasukan) in front, the agency will still be known as Rela in short,” he said after meeting Rela members at Dewan Gong Kemuntong in Besut last night.

Mustafa said the name change was also in line with the tabling of the Rela Bill 2012 which was passed by parliament in April, containing provisions covering the establishment of the agency, its tasks and jurisdiction.

“With this development, Rela will be making some changes including restructuring of its functions to be more systematic and competitive,” he said.

Mustafa said that after more than 40 years since its establishment, Rela would also soon have professional teams, namely the Engineering Squad and Medical Squad to boost its operations.

He said the setting up of these new squads was part of Rela’s efforts to attract the involvement, especially of the professionals and youths, in the agency.

“This is also to enable Rela to play a more dynamic role and to meet current needs and challenges,” he added.

- Bernama