KAJANG, May 6 — The government, through the Finance Ministry, has approved the payment of allowances for the Civil Defence Student Corps (Kor SISPA) to enhance the welfare and motivation of higher education institution students participating in the team's training.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) is currently finalising the details of the method and eligibility for the payment.
"This step reflects a continuous commitment to empowering the welfare, motivation, and professionalism of the country's young volunteers," he said.
Mustapha said this while speaking on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at APM's 74th Civil Defence Day celebration today.
Meanwhile, speaking to the media, APM Chief Commissioner Mohammad Abiddin Abd Rahman said that priority for the allowance would be given to students in their final year, with the allowance gradually expanded based on the existing allocation.
Elsewhere, the minister said the allowance amount has been finalised at the existing volunteer member rate of RM8 per hour of training attended.
"To date, there are 20 public institutions of higher learning, 24 private institutions of higher Learning, and 14 teacher education institutes that have established the Kor SISPA nationwide," he said.
So far, about 22,000 students have undergone training with the Kor SISPA, including 1,100 final-year students.
Mustapha added that APM needs to continue increasing the number of personnel and assets to ensure the agency's preparedness remains at an optimal level in the face of increasingly critical disaster challenges.
The results of visits to several locations across the country found a need to expand and improve APM's office buildings and operational assets, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, which have large areas.
"We hope APM will continue to excel and face various challenges. We know that disasters are no longer like they used to be; our disasters are becoming more critical, and we hope that APM is also ready to train its members and volunteers so that they can manage disasters well," he said.
