The Malaysian Volunteers Department (RELA) is an organization based on volunteerism to help the security forces in the movement against the enemies of the country from inside and outside the country. RELA was established on 3 July 1972 under the Necessary Regulations (Association of People's Volunteers) 1966, which were made under the Emergency (Necessary Powers) Act 1964. The foundation of RELA dates back to 1948, when the Village Control Organization or "Home Guard" was formed during the first state of emergency in the Federation of Malaya. The formation of the Home Guard is under the Emergency Ordinance 1948 and placed under the jurisdiction of the Home Guard Regulations 1950 and 1951.
