{
  "id": 15166352,
  "title": "MAF reviewing allowances to boost reserve force participation, says Chief of Defence Force",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/maf-reviewing-allowances-to-boost-reserve-force-participation-says-15166352",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T08:55:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/17/maf-reviewing-allowances-to-boost-reserve-force-participation-says-chief-of-defence-force/239475"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is reviewing allowances for reserve personnel in an effort to increase participation in training and strengthen the reserve force. Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman revealed that the current hourly rates of RM9.80 and RM8 for reserve personnel were relatively low, last reviewed around 2022. He emphasized the importance of active involvement in training and regiment-organized activities, as it can provide additional points for those wishing to join the regular force. Currently, about 40 to 50 percent of registered reserve personnel are inactive, leading to removal from the membership list if they remain inactive for months or years. The aim is to achieve a one-to-one ratio between reserve and regular armed forces personnel. To boost participation, the MAF plans to diversify training methods, upgrade infrastructure, and strengthen promotional efforts. Graduate officer recruitment scheme participants receive priority in joining the regular armed forces and may receive additional academic credits. The Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) will also transfer support assets to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) following the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission's termination. Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin informed that 292 assets worth around US$10 million (RM42 million) will be handed over to the LAF until January 2027 for welfare, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping efforts. Malek Razak urged young people, especially those with skills in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and information technology (IT), to join the MAF to support the modernization of the armed forces.",
  "summary": "PORT DICKSON, Oct 17 — The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is reviewing allowances for its volunteer reserve personne...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : MAF Reviews Allowances To Encourage Reserve Force Participation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/general-maf-reviews-allowances-to-encourage-reserve-force",
        "published": "2026-10-17T05:57:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "MAF reviewing allowances to boost reserve force participation, says Chief of Defence Force",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/maf-reviewing-allowances-to-boost-reserve-force-participation-says",
        "published": "2026-10-17T08:55:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}