Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has been appointed the new Commander of the 508 Regiment of the Territorial Army (AW), effective January.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is also patron of the AW Support Committee (JPAW), made the announcement on Khairy's appointment.

He said Khairy replaced Datuk Shahrom Mohammad who was appointed JPAW advisor.

"Khairy received his credentials from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah who agreed to the appointment.

"His appointment as the new commander was also agreed upon by the Malaysian Armed Forces Council," Mohamad told reporters after officiating the AW 2014 training launch here today.

Also present at the event were State Secretary Datuk Mat Ali Hassan and First Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Datuk Adnan Abu Bakar.

Thanking Shahrom for his long-standing service with the AW 508 Reginment, Mohamad expressed confidence that under Khairy's leadership, the regiment would be more progressive and able to attract more young people to join it.

He said the regiment welcomed Khairy's appointment.

Meanwhile, the menteri besar also welcomed the formation of the civil service platoon which would see the involvement of more civil servants in the AW 508 Regiment.

Meanwhile, Khairy said various plans were being drawn up and hoped they would be implemented with the support and cooperation of all parties.

"At the same time, I would like to encourage more young people to join the AW 508 Regiment," he added.