KAJANG: The government is targeting to increase the number of Civil Defence Force (CDF) volunteers to 150,000 by the end of 2025, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       The Deputy Prime Minister said the government will work towards increasing the number of CDF personnel to meet the needs of the agency, especially in facing emergencies and floods.

       "That is why we are starting with recruiting more volunteers. We already have 79,000 officers and personnel and I have instructed the agency to recruit 64,000 new volunteers.

       "It is not impossible, I firmly believe by the end of 2025, we will see the number of volunteers in APM reach 150,000," he said in his speech during his working visit to CDF headquarters on Wednesday (Jan 24).

       Ahmad Zahid said the government will also work towards increasing the number of personnel in the CDF.

       "The need for new personnel is important but the Public Service director-general has mentioned that new hires must be based on a permanent basis but without pension.

       "By 2040, the government will have to spend RM120bil to cover pensions if a new hiring scheme is not introduced," he said.

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       Ahmad Zahid said he also wanted the number of APM's Arts Brigade to be expanded, including recruiting famous actors and singers.

       "I want to expand the Arts Brigade consisting of actors and singers that are recruited as volunteers. We already have Datuk Nash, Datuk Hattan and Rohana Jalil.

       "I am confident the crop of young artists will join as volunteers and be icons for the agency," he said.

       He also called on media practitioners, especially journalists to join as volunteers by going through short-term training.

       Ahmad Zahid also said the government is always searching for additional funds to increase the allowance for APM volunteers as well as increase the agency's capabilities.