KAJANG, April 8- The allowance rate for Civil Defence Force (APM) volunteers will be reviewed and proposed for an increase of RM80 per day compared to the previous rate of RM40.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this endeavour will be discussed at the Cabinet level in order to enable it to be standardised with other volunteer forces.

"We are not asking for more, but we are asking for equal treatment with other volunteers. I also want the APM to continue to play a role that will be recognised by the community, in addition to the government.

"God willing, my close friend Datuk Hj Fadilah will be with me and Datuk Fahmi will fight for the APM allowance to also be increased", he said.

He was speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the 73rd Civil Defence Month Celebration, at the Civil Defence Headquarters in Kajang, Selangor.

At the ceremony, he also presented instruments of appointment to 79 recipients of honorary and associated officers of APM.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof was appointed as the Perdana Chief Commissioner (Civil Defence), while Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil was appointed as the Honorary Commissioner (Civil Defence).