Over 700 Join APM Creative Arts Bridage Since April Launch

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Creative Arts Brigade continues to show encouraging progress by recording more than 700 members within three months of its launch in April.

National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chairman Datuk Hans Isaac is confident that the target of 1,200 members set by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil by 2026 will be achieved earlier.

“In the past two months alone, more than 700 have joined this brigade. We are confident that we can achieve the target of 1,200 or 1,300 members in another two to three months, although we have not yet moved to other states such as Sabah, Sarawak and Johor,” he said.

He was speaking to Bernama after the APM Creative Arts Brigade Letter Presentation Ceremony to 250 artists consisting of actors, singers and creative artists here tonight.

Also present were FINAS chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib and APM chief commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed.

Hans, who also received his appointment letter as Associate Assistant Commissioner (Civil Defence), said the implementation at the state level would be done in stages with a focus on training programmes from time to time to bring artists closer to APM.

"We don't want to rush or force this membership. What's important is that it develops naturally. We want artists to see how they can contribute and at the same time get to know APM better," he said.

The APM Creative Arts Brigade is an initiative to bring together artists as volunteers to contribute energy and expertise in raising public awareness, high-impact communication, and community mobilisation during disasters.

-- BERNAMA