Gov't to consider more suitable new name for JPAM - Shahidan

The government will consider a more suitable new name in tandem with the branding of the Malaysia Civil Defence Department (JPAM) from the previously proposed name, Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APAM).

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said several other names that had been suggested would be discussed before any decision on the matter was made.

"All kinds of proposals were made and it is important the name is suitable with the new change.

"Among the proposals submitted to me are APM and PERTAMA," he said when winding up the debate on the Civil Defence (Amendment) Bill 2016 in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Earlier when debating on the Bill, Datuk Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun (BN-Kota Tinggi) said he disagreed with the new name and asked the government to use another name that brings a more constructive connotation.

"I don't completely reject this proposed new name but to me a more significant name should be used so that JPAM is respected," he said.

Meanwhile Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohamad (BN-Lipis) agreed with the new name, APAM because it was easy to remember by the people.

Amendment to the Bill, among others, provides for protection of workers' rights for any volunteers or additional members of the team who are absent from his regular job for reasons related to his civil defence duties.

It provides for the establishment of the Civil Defence Cadet Corps anywhere in Malaysia and secondary school students as well as students registered in any training or educational institutions may apply to join the cadet corps.

The Bill was approved without amendments.