MINDEF, KDN Allocated RM42.9 Bln To Enhance National Preparedness – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Defence Ministry (MINDEF) has been allocated RM21.7 billion under Budget 2026, an increase of RM500 million compared to this year, while the Home Ministry (KDN) will receive RM21.2 billion, up by RM1.7 billion.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the priority is to enhance the country’s preparedness level through several key measures. The first involves maintaining and procuring defence assets, with RM6 billion allocated, including new acquisitions such as Medium, Short and Very Short Range Air Defence systems, two Multi-Role Support Ships, and 10 vehicles for the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT).

“Second, to maintain and purchase assets for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other uniformed bodies under the Home Ministry, with an allocation of RM1 billion. This includes the procurement of 100 new 4x4 pickup trucks for PDRM intelligence and operations, four Fast Patrol Vessels for the Marine Police Force (PPM), and a Maritime Surveillance Aircraft for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

“Third, to build and upgrade new facilities for uniformed bodies at a cost of more than RM1.5 billion. Among them are the MMEA State Complex in Tok Bali, Kelantan; the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters and the Lawin Police Station in Gerik, Perak; the redevelopment of the MMEA and PPM Integrated Complex in Labuan; the Maritime Zone Complex in Kudat, Sabah; and the Artillery Training Centre at Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan.

“In addition, upgrades will be carried out at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Sungai Tujoh, Miri, Sarawak, as well as three General Operations Force (GOF) posts in Sungai Nibong, Sungai Banting and Sekinchan, Selangor,” he said when tabling the budget in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar also said RM45 million has been allocated to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to continue safeguarding the nation’s borders.

“To meet the manpower needs of AKPS totalling 220 personnel, priority will be given to recruiting military veterans to ensure full readiness,” he said.

Anwar said companies awarded procurement contracts under MINDEF will, through the PROTEGE scheme, provide job opportunities for veterans and offer certificate and diploma training to Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel before retirement, including funding for the Work-Based Learning (WBL) and Readiness to Work programmes.

To strengthen security on the East Coast of Sabah, Anwar said the Tun Sharifah Rodziah Sea Platform, whose operational period ends in June 2026, will be replaced with a new Multi-Purpose Command Platform.

-- BERNAMA