RM20 Million Boost For Jiwa Murni Programme Can Enhance Civil-Military Ties - Adly

ALOR GAJAH, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The additional RM20 million allocation to implement the Jiwa Murni Programme (PJM) next year will further enhance collaboration and execution of various initiatives between the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the civilian community.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said restructuring the programme through a more progressive and targeted approach under the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) concept will help the public better understand that the nation's defence is a shared responsibility.

"With the current RM10 million allocation, PJM has already conducted over 300 community outreach programmes, and we hope that with the new model and additional funding, we can expand more activities,  particularly in rural areas, including Orang Asli communities as well as in Sabah and Sarawak.

"This is important because the public needs to understand that defence personnel not only protect the nation, but they also serve the community and that National security is a responsibility that is shared by all levels of society, he told Bernama after officiating the Melaka State-level Jiwa Murni Programme at Kampung Belimbing Dalam today.

He said the two-day programme, which began yesterday, featured various activities including a static exhibition of MAF assets and weapons, career promotion by the 514th Regiment of the Territorial Army, health screenings, veteran affairs service counters, and a 5 km Fun Run.

At the event, Adly also presented mock cheques to five recipients under the Melaka State Jiwa Murni Programme, four recipients of the MAF Veterans Affairs Department Housing Initiative, four MAF veterans, 13 recipients of the Alor Gajah Parliamentary Constituency People-Friendly Project, as well as 500 Bakul Rahmah to representatives from local communities, veteran associations, and community organisations.

In a separate development, Adly, the Alor Gajah MP, said the MAF remains on standby and will work closely with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) in its response to the ongoing flood season affecting Kedah, Penang, and Perak.

"We are closely monitoring the current flood situation, and MAF personnel and assets will be on standby should they be required to assist states affected by the disaster.

"As we have done previously, including during the recent floods in Sabah, we will deploy assistance as needed. For the ongoing flood phase, we are prepared and will mobilise immediately if necessary," he said.

-- BERNAMA