KOTA KINABALU : Youths have been urged to join the Territorial Army (Askar Wataniah) to demonstrate their patriotic spirit and expose themselves to the benefits of military training. 

"The Territorial Army is an opportunity for young people to show how much they love their country," said Gaya Member of Parliament, Datuk Yong Teck Lee. "Furthermore, I believe the training and subsequent service in the Territorial Army helps in the shaping of a person's character." 

Yong said the Territorial Army is currently on a recruitment drive in the Gaya constituency. 

The next and final recruitment exercise will be held at Likas Multi-Purpose Hall on June 10 (Sunday) from 9am to 5pm. 

In conjunction with the recruitment drive, a contingent of Territorial Army will put up a show of military drills at 11am. 

All applicants should bring along their identity cards, birth certificates, school leaving certificates, examination certificates to facilitate registration. 

Participation in the Territorial Army is open to all Malaysian aged between 18 and 40. Male applicants should weigh at least 105 pounds and stand five feet two inches or taller. Female applicants should be no less than four feet eight inches tall, and weigh 95 pounds or more.

After training, they are required to serve at the Territorial Army headquarters near here for three hours every Saturday and nine hours every Sunday. 

Recruits who serve up to 48 hours a month will receive a further allowance of RM72. Those who serve less than 48 hours per month will have their allowances calculated on an hourly rate. 

Other than the monthly allowances, recruits will be reimbursed for their transportation and be provided with food and uniforms. 

Recruits who serve more than 480 hours in a year will be paid a further allowance of RM600.