KANGAR: The role and duties of members of the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) are important although some quarters may see it as trivial, says Perlis Rela director Ahmad Muazzan Shah Mohd Salleh.

       Many regard the duty of Rela members as synonymous with controlling traffic at wedding receptions, night markets and other events, oblivious to the fact that the volunteer team has a bigger and more important role, which is to help maintain peace and the people’s well-being in the country.

       Ahmad Muazzan did not refute that many people were still unaware of the duties and role of Rela, apart from controlling traffic at events.

       He said it was because Rela received less publicity than other security forces.

       "According to the Malaysia Volunteers Corps Act 2021, the five roles and duties of a Rela member are to assist security forces, help divert vehicles, participate in community service, monitor government buildings and carry out tasks as instructed by the Rela director-general," he told Bernama recently.

       He said Rela's role in assisting the country’s security forces was not new as it started with the establishment of the "Home Guard" in 1948.

       He said the role of members of the Home Guard then was helping the authorities to maintain security in the villages.

       Ahmad Muazzan said that until today, Rela members still function as the "eyes and ears of the government" in channeling information to help the authorities maintain security in the country.

       He said Rela's role grew during the Covid-19 pandemic when it was given the responsibility to help the the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in curbing the spread of the epidemic.

       Perlis Rela was also involved in helping the security forces in Op Benteng to control the country's borders on the coast of Kuala Perlis, he added.

       He said Rela also assisted the authorities during disasters such as floods by distributing aid to victims, controlling traffic and cleaning houses of the flood victims.

       "The role and function of Rela is actually wide. Rela members are always ready to help the security forces whenever needed," he said.

       Ahmad Muazzan said despite not having a fixed salary and only being paid an allowance, the spirit of volunteerism was extraordinary among Rela members. - Bernama