The People's Volunteer Corps
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. The People's Volunteer Corps (Malay: Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia), abbreviated RELA, is a paramilitary civil volunteer corps[1] formed by the Malaysian government. Their main duty is to check the travelling documents and immigration permits of foreigners in Malaysian cities, including tourists, visitors and migrants to reduce the increasing rate of illegal immigrants in Malaysia. RELA has the authority to deal with situations like policemen, such as raiding suspected streets or places such as factories, restaurants and even hotels. They are also fully authorised to conduct the interrogation and even detaining people who forgot to bring their travelling documents, like passports and/or working permits. Besides that they are also tasked with security works at times. During times of war, they are absorbed into the Malaysian Army as support groups despite their law enforcing duties. They are also tasked to do SAR works if needed.
Contents
History
The People's Volunteer Corps started in circa 1960s. Its purpose was to guard against communists.[2] It now serves as a strike force against illegal immigrants. It is 2.8 million strong and is composed of mostly untrained volunteers.[2] In 2008 Rela was given charge of immigration detention centres.[3]
Mission and Objective
- Vision
To prepare, train, and maintain a volunteer force as the Nation's line of defence and to guard the welfare of the citizens of Malaysia.
- Mission
To deploy and mobilise the volunteer force to reduce Illegal Immigrant and to assist other enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security throughout Malaysia.
- Objective
Help preserve national security, peace and welfare of the Malaysian citizens and to reduce Illegal Immigrant
Roles and Priorities
During War or Emergency
- To maintain and preserve public order and security of local area before being handed over to the Armed Forces.
- To lead and protect the citizens to a safer area.
- War combatants and psyops
- As "eyes" and "ears" of the military and the government
- Help the armed forces to operate patrols, intelligence, security force, and to provide direct defence on all strategic interest in their area.
Strength
- Current strength of RELA in terms of personnel as of 23 May 2013 (see http://myrela.moha.gov.my/myrela/index.php/pengguna/login)
Personnel
Overall | 2,873,671 |
Platoons | ? |
Male | 1,703,852 |
Female | 1,169,819 |
Criticism
Human Rights Watch has called for People’s Volunteer Corps to be dissolved. They have accused it of violating human rights, conducting illegal raids and extortions.[4]
Firearms
- Handguns/Revolver
- Smith & Wesson Model 10 .38
United States
- Smith & Wesson Model 1917 .45 ACP
United States
- Glock 17 and Glock 19
Austria
- HK USP Compact 9 mm
Germany
- Shotguns
- Shotgun Stevens Arms and Harrington single barrel break action.
United States
- Mossberg 500
United States
- Remington M870
United States
- Benelli M4 with fixed stock
Italy
- Assault rifles
- Colt M16A1
United States - potential upgrades from Norinco of China using parts for Norinco CQ
- M4 Carbine
United States
- L1A1 SLR
- HK G3
Germany
- Light Machinegun
- L4A1- BREN rechambered with 7.62 NATO
United Kingdom
- MG 3
Germany
Armoured Car
- Unibuffel
Sri Lanka
- Land Rover Shorland and Tangi
United Kingdom
References
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Further reading
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