KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will emphasise acquiring several new assets through the RM19.7 billion allocation under Budget 2024.
In a statement today, it said that will be given to maintaining the capabilities and readiness of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) as well as its three branches; the Malaysian Army (TDM), the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
“Mindef and MAF will initiate the acquisition of new assets, with TDM acquiring 60 infantry-armoured vehicles, 50 high-mobility light tactical vehicles, six hovercraft-integrated fast interceptors and 733 support vehicles of various types, including 45 boats.
“The RMN will continue with the procurement of three littoral mission ships (LMS) and work to refurbish two submarine assets while the RMAF will receive 12 new helicopters,” read the statement.
The government’s allocation for Mindef in Budget 2024 is an 11.21 per cent increase from this year’s RM17.74 billion allocation.
On the national border security, Mindef said efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of control measures at the country’s entry points will continue with the construction of seven posts, including in Melikin and Pa’ Daleh, Sarawak.
To ensure the welfare of Armed Forces personnel continues to be protected, several allocations have been set aside, including RM400 million for repairs and maintenance on all Rumah Keluarga Angkatan Tentera as well as RM20 million to upgrade the sewage system at TDM camps in phases.
“Also, an incentive of RM1,000 will be extended to 216,758 retired and non-pensioned MAF veterans,” according to the statement.
In addition, MAF veterans will continue to be empowered through the Protege-Ready to Work (Protege-RTW) initiative, a job training placement implemented in collaboration with companies awarded government contracts.
The government will also increase the number of community rangers to 2,000 by appointing rangers from among MAF veterans, the Royal Malaysia Police, Orang Asli, and the local community.
— Bernama
