Malaysian Armed Forces Reviews Volunteer Allowances To Boost Reserve Participation And Active Strength

PORT DICKSON, Oct 17 – The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is actively reviewing allowance rates for its volunteer reserve personnel in a strategic effort to encourage greater participation in military training and strengthen the country’s national defense readiness.

Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman announced the financial review on Saturday, October 17, 2026, following the passing-out parade for 1,485 recruits from the 206/26 Series of Male Young Soldiers Training in Port Dickson. Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman was also in attendance.

Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak stated that current hourly compensation rates—currently set at RM9.80 and RM8—are relatively low, having last been adjusted around 2022.

The defense leadership aims to boost active training commitment and build up a resilient manpower reservoir that can seamlessly support regular armed forces operations.

“We want them to participate actively in training and activities organised by their respective regiments. Active involvement also gives them additional points if they wish to join the regular force, making the screening process easier,” the Chief of Defence Force told reporters.

Target Force Ratio, PALAPES Priority Recruitment, and MALBATT Asset Transfer

The armed forces chief outlined key operational targets, structural reform initiatives, and upcoming international peacekeeping transitions:

• Addressing Reserve Inactivity: An estimated 40 to 50 percent of registered reserve personnel are currently inactive, failing to attend scheduled assembly drills. Personnel who remain continuously inactive over extended periods face removal from the official roster.
• One-to-One Force Ratio: The MAF is aiming to achieve a 1:1 numerical ratio between active reserve personnel and regular armed forces members to maintain a robust Territorial Army.
• PALAPES Priority Pathway: Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) graduates are being prioritized for regular officer commissions through graduate officer recruitment schemes, preserving invested leadership training.
• Modernization and Tech Recruitment: The MAF is urging tech-savvy youths specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber systems, and information technology (IT) to enlist and support ongoing defense modernization.
• UNIFIL MALBATT Asset Handover: Following the planned wind-down of the UNIFIL mission early next year, the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) will hand over 292 operational assets—valued at approximately US$10 million (RM42 million)—to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in stages through January 2027.

To support the recruitment drive, the MAF plans to diversify training modules, upgrade training camp infrastructure, and launch expanded public awareness campaigns nationwide.

–NMT