Sarawak military officials urge higher Territorial Army enlistment

Brigadier General Zulkinine Yunus, Commander of the Third Infantry Brigade Malaysia, has noted that participation rates for Sarawakians in the Territorial Army Regiment (Askar Wataniah) remain low compared to other Malaysian states. While many residents join the Malaysian Armed Forces as regular members, enlistment in the reserve force requires further attention.

To address this, officials are calling for increased public awareness, particularly among the youth, regarding the importance of reserve service in strengthening national defense. The initiative emphasizes a ‘Whole-of-Government’ and ‘Whole-of-Society’ approach, fostering cooperation between the military, government agencies, and the community to maintain national sovereignty and security.

Sarawak currently hosts two Territorial Army regiments: Regiment 511 based in Kuching and Regiment 510 based in Sibu. These units provide opportunities for both employed and unemployed citizens to contribute to national defense readiness.