KEMAMAN, 4 FEBRUARY, 2012: The 1Malaysia Corps will spur interest and spirit of volunteerism among youths, says Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said previously, most volunteer groups were activated by organisations such as Rela, Civil Defence Department Malaysia (JPAM), Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) and National Service Training Programme (NS).
    
"We don't have an integrated database on volunteerism activities in the country. The 1Malaysia Corps is a new approach that hopefully can compete with developed countries like Australia that has five million volunteers ready for deployment during disasters or peace time," he said after closing a squash clinic organised by Sekolah Rantau Petronas here today.
    
The clinic at Mesra Mall squash court was given by national squash player Mohd Azlan Iskandar.
    
In KUALA LUMPUR, National Service Training Council former chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the National Service Volunteer Brigade (BSKN) launched today will promote volunteerism among Malaysian youths.
    
He said BSKN could be activated not only to help disaster victims, but also assist in community programmes in public places to protect the environment.
    
"I welcome the launch of BSKN to help victims of natural disasters such as floods, fire and landslides," he said in a statement here today.
    
BSKN launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today gives former National Service trainees the opportunity to contribute to society.
    
Najib said with some 650,000 former NS trainees, BSKN could become a formidable volunteer body in the country.
    

- Bernama