🚨

Section 1: Safety and Emergencies

RELA and Civil Defence (APM)

Volunteer organizations and civil defence services

Who are RELA and APM?

RELA and APM are groups of trained Malaysians who help during emergencies and disasters. They are not the police or the army, but they work alongside them to keep communities safe.

What do they do?

Help during floods, fires, and other disasters.
Assist police during big events or emergencies.
Run community safety programmes.
Provide first aid training to the public.

Can I join when I grow up?

Yes. When you are 18 years old, you can apply to join RELA or APM. You do not need to be a soldier or police officer. You just need to be a Malaysian citizen who wants to help your community.

How do you contact them?

RELA: rela.gov.my or 03-8883 3888
APM: apm.gov.my or 991

What's the difference?

RELA - Community volunteers who help with safety and public order
APM - Trained civil defence force for disaster response

Overview

Malaysia has two key civilian support forces that operate alongside its uniformed emergency services. RELA (Ikatan Relawan Rakyat) functions as a grassroots civilian volunteer corps under KDN, focused on community safety, public order support, and disaster relief assistance. APM (Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia), or the Civil Defence Force, operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs with a specific mandate for civil protection, disaster preparedness, and emergency response coordination.

RELA vs APM at a Glance

Feature	RELA	APM
Full Name	Ikatan Relawan Rakyat	Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia
Under	Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN)	Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN)
Nature	Civilian volunteer corps	Civil Defence Force
Primary Role	Community safety, public order support	Disaster preparedness, civil protection
Legal Powers	Limited enforcement during deployment	Civil Defence Act 1951 powers
Minimum Age	18 years	18 years
Website	rela.gov.my	apm.gov.my

RELA's Role

Primary Functions:

Community Patrol: Neighborhood safety patrols
Disaster Relief: Assist at relief centers during floods and disasters
Event Support: Crowd management at public events
Immigration Support: Assist with documentation checks
Traffic Control: Assist PDRM during peak hours or accidents

How to Join RELA:

Visit your nearest KDN district office
Bring MyKad and 2 passport-sized photos
Fill out application form
Undergo background check
Complete basic training (2-4 weeks)
Receive uniform and ID card

APM's Role

Primary Functions:

Search and Rescue: Urban search and rescue (USAR), water rescue
Disaster Response: First responder during earthquakes, landslides, floods
Public Education: Community disaster preparedness training
First Aid Training: Certified first aid and CPR courses
Emergency Communications: Coordinate disaster communications

How to Join APM:

Visit your state APM headquarters
Bring MyKad, educational certificates, and photos
Fill out application form
Pass medical examination
Complete basic training (3 months)
Receive uniform, rank, and assignments

Training Programmes Available to Public

APM Public Courses:

Basic First Aid: 2-day course (free or nominal fee)
CPR and AED: 1-day certification course
Disaster Preparedness: Community workshops
Fire Safety: Basic firefighting and prevention

Contact your nearest APM state headquarters to register for courses.

Real Scenarios

Scenario 1: Flood Relief Center Management

During the 2022 Klang Valley floods, over 3,000 RELA volunteers were deployed to relief centers across Selangor to assist JKM with registration, food distribution, and basic crowd management. They do not conduct water rescues but play a critical role in keeping relief operations organised.

Scenario 2: APM Earthquake Response Training

Following the 2015 Ranau earthquake, APM conducted community disaster preparedness workshops across Sabah, teaching residents how to respond to earthquakes, build emergency kits, and perform basic search and rescue techniques.

Scenario 3: Big Event Support

During a major public event at Dataran Merdeka, RELA volunteers supported PDRM with crowd management, directing attendees and maintaining orderly access to exits. RELA members are frequently activated for national celebrations and large public gatherings.

Important Numbers

999 - General emergency
991 - Civil Defence (APM emergency)
RELA Headquarters: 03-8883 3888
APM Headquarters: 03-8064 3000
RELA Website: rela.gov.my
APM Website: apm.gov.my

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to join RELA or APM?

No, joining is free. However, you may need to pay for your own uniform items or optional advanced training courses. Basic training is provided free of charge.

Can women join RELA and APM?

Yes, both organizations welcome women. Many women serve in both RELA and APM, including in leadership positions and operational roles.

What is the time commitment?

RELA volunteers typically commit 8-16 hours per month for patrols and community service. APM members have more intensive commitments, especially during training periods and disaster responses.

Can I join if I have a full-time job?

Yes, many RELA and APM members have full-time jobs. Activities are often scheduled on weekends or evenings. However, you may need to take emergency leave during major disasters.

Do RELA and APM members get paid?

No, both are volunteer organizations. However, members may receive allowances during active disaster deployment or major event assignments. Some employers also provide special leave for volunteer duties.

Last updated: March 2026

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Always verify with official sources for the most current information.