Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today announced an increase in allowance for Civil Defence Force members from RM6 to RM8 per hour, and RM7.80 to RM9 per hour for officers.

He said the increase, which would benefit about 2.1 million Civil Defence Force officers and members nationwide, was in appreciation of their deeds and services in extending early assistance, especially in times of disaster.

A uniform allowance of RM10 million will also be given to the Civil Defence Force this year, from RM5 million last year, he said.

Zahid also instructed the Civil Defence Force to submit applications to the Public Service Department for permanent posts and higher grade for permanent posts.

The Bagan Datuk MP said this in his speech when opening a programme with the town’s Civil Defence Force members at SM Bagan Datuk today.

Also present were Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim and Civil Defence Force chief commissioner Azmy Yahya.

Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said a concerned government would care not only for the welfare of its employees at the ministries, departments and agencies, but also volunteer organisations.

“You never asked for it (increase), but we don’t have to be asked because if it is something appropriate to be given as appreciation for that spirit of volunteerism, the government will give,” he said.

Therefore, he called on Civil Defence Force members and officers to continue to support the existing government for continuity in the leadership.

Meanwhile, a Civil Defence Force member, Mohd Hairi Azmi Tham, 28, from Kuala Kangsar, expressed his gratitude for the government’s concern in raising their allowance.

Mohd Hairi, who has been with the Civil Defence Force for five years, said the increase had long been awaited by APM members.

The increase will further boost the spirit of volunteerism, he said.

- Bernama