APM gets 61 more lorries worth RM40 million

SEREMBAN: The additional 61 five-tonne lorries for the Civil Defence Force (APM) is expected to enhance its capability and mobility by 50 per cent, especially in evacuation of victims during disasters, said APM chief commissioner Major General ( Rtd) Datuk Azmy Yahya.

He said the additional asset, which was worth RM40 million, for APM was in tandem with the additional duties and responsibilities shouldered by the force.

“APM is now in the process of transformation from a department to a force, hence with a bigger role and responsibilities.

“APM now does not focus on disaster alone, but also assists enforcement agencies in the forest, country borders and also in the city. That is why we need more and modern assets to meet our current requirement,” he told reporters after the handing- over of some of the lorries to APM here yesterday.

Azmy said the lorries would be delivered to APM in stages, with the first , involving 18 lorries, for the APM in Sabah, Sarawak and the headquarters.

“We expect to receive all the 61 lorries the latest by October, in time for the monsoon season,” he added.

He said the increase in APM members was also another factor for the force to have more assets.

“APM now has 1.6 million volunteers nationwide and we are targeting the number to reach two million by end of the year,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Azmy said APM had been tasked to also assist Kuala Lumpur City Hall, PR1MA, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry and the Forestry Department in patrol duties. — Bernama