NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an asked the central government on Sunday (Oct. 15) to develop a comprehensive plan for civil defense addressing the shortage and aging of civil defense personnel in Taiwan.
Amid soaring cross-strait tensions, President Tsai Ing-wen has ordered the bolstering of Taiwan's defense capabilities. Meanwhile, the National Police Agency is planning to recruit individuals aged 18 to 40 to join volunteer police and civil defense units.
However, recent reports from a local news agency show a decline in the number of civil defense personnel in Taiwan. More importantly, the average age of civil defense personnel in the six special municipalities ranges between 51 and 55.
Compared to 2019, the report states that as of September, Taipei saw a decrease of 38 personnel, New Taipei 189, Taichung 9, Tainan 57, and Kaohsiung 86. Only Taoyuan experienced an increase, adding 28 people.
When asked about this issue, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said, "The central government should have a comprehensive plan for civil defense, volunteer police, or volunteer firefighters."
"More importantly, people want to see a peaceful and stable general environment," he added.
Defence International magazine director Chen Kuo-ming pointed out that it is crucial for the government to clearly define the role of civil defense to attract public participation.