KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry has been allocated RM19.7bil, an increase of RM2bil compared from this year, while the Home Ministry will receive RM19bil, an increase of RM500mil from this year, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said to strengthen the level of the country's defence and security preparedness, the government will begin the process of acquiring new assets.
"This includes the acquisition of 12 new helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force; the acquisition of key assets of the Army such as 60 infantry fighting vehicles, 50 high mobility light tactical vehicles (HMLTV), six hovercraft integrated fast interceptors as well as 733 support vehicles of various types.
"Apart from that, the work to refurbish two submarine assets in addition to continuing the procurement of three littoral mission ships (LMS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy," said Anwar when tabling the Budget 2024 in Parliament on Friday (Oct 13).
He said the procurement was to replace old assets with seven twin-engine aircraft and five police light helicopters.
Anwar said the government will also increase its maritime assets next year, including the acquisition of 45 units of various types of army boats and nine units of next-generation patrol boats as well as interceptor boats for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
He added that the government will also build seven border posts in Melikin and Pa' Daleh, Sarawak; a security post in Sungai Desa Aji Kuning, Sebatik Island in Sabah as well as preliminary work on the construction of two ICQS in Nabawan and Kalabakan in Sabah.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government will establish a single border agency (SBA) and RM20mil will also be provided to maintain, repair and acquire capital assets at international entry points nationwide. – Bernama
