KOTA SAMARAHAN: Safeguarding national security and maintaining peace must begin at home and within the community, with every citizen playing a role in protecting the nation’s stability.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said national defence was not solely the responsibility of the military, but a shared commitment involving families, communities, government agencies and the younger generation.
Speaking at the Mini Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Carnival under the National Defence Strategic Plan (PSPN) x Rasa Fest 2026 at Samarahan Open Stadium today, she said community awareness, neighbourhood vigilance and strong relationships were essential in maintaining security.
“The responsibility begins with ensuring our families’ safety and maintaining harmony among our neighbours. We must take an interest in what our children are going through, know our neighbours and look out for one another,” she said.
She also urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and verify information before sharing it, particularly through community WhatsApp groups, to prevent rumours and misunderstandings.
Emphasising the importance of youth participation, Rubiah described young people as the nation’s line of defence and called on them to become actively involved in sports, volunteer work and youth organisations.
She also encouraged parents, village chiefs and community leaders to give young people opportunities to lead and participate in community programmes.
“Strengthen yourselves through knowledge and stand firm in your principles when faced with challenges. Lead your peers towards positive activities. Protect the peace that we have inherited. You are the nation’s line of defence,” she said.
Meanwhile, First Infantry Division Commander Major General Datuk Mohd Sobirin Mohd Yusof said the carnival provided an important platform to strengthen cooperation between the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), government agencies and local communities in safeguarding national sovereignty.
He said the PSPN, developed by the Ministry of Defence, aimed to foster greater understanding, participation and cooperation between the military and civilian communities in supporting the country’s Total Defence aspirations.
“The programme emphasises the importance of mutual understanding, involvement and cooperation between the military and civilian communities, as everyone has a role to play in safeguarding national security and sovereignty,” he said.
Mohd Sobirin also expressed appreciation to the Samarahan Resident’s Office, District Office, Royal Malaysia Police, Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department, Road Transport Department and other participating agencies, as well as surrounding village communities, for their support in making the carnival a success.
He hoped the First Infantry Division would continue organising similar programmes to strengthen the relationship between the military and the people.
The five-day carnival, held from Nov 11 to 15, is a strategic initiative by the Ministry of Defence to strengthen civil-military synergy through the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society (WoGoS) approach, in line with the aspirations of Total Defence (HANRUH).
Among its activities are military asset exhibitions and demonstrations, free general health and dental screenings, Field Hospital services, survival skills demonstrations, career advisory services and MAF recruitment opportunities for youths.
