KUALA LUMPUR – The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has been allocated RM21.7 billion under Budget 2026, marking an increase of RM500 million from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry (KDN) will receive RM21.2 billion, up by RM1.7 billion.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim outlined that the primary focus is to enhance the country’s preparedness through several key initiatives. The first measure involves maintaining and acquiring new defence assets, with RM6 billion allocated for this purpose. This includes 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).
“Secondly, we aim to maintain and procure assets for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other uniformed bodies under the Home Ministry, with an allocation of RM1 billion. This includes the purchase of 100 new 4×4 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),” he said.
The third key focus is on building and upgrading facilities for uniformed bodies, with over RM1.5 billion allocated. This will support the construction of the MMEA State Complex in Tok Bali, Kelantan; the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters and the Lawin Police Station in Gerik, Perak; as well as the redevelopment of the MMEA and PPM Integrated Complex in Labuan. Other projects include the Maritime Zone Complex in Kudat, Sabah, and the Artillery Training Centre at Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan.
Further, the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in Sungai Tujoh, Miri, Sarawak will undergo upgrades, along with three General Operations Force (GOF) posts in Sungai Nibong, Sungai Banting, and Sekinchan, Selangor.
Additionally, RM45 million has been allocated to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to continue securing the nation’s borders. To meet AKPS’s manpower requirements, which total 220 personnel, Anwar emphasised that priority would be given to recruiting military veterans to ensure full operational readiness.
He also highlighted that companies awarded procurement contracts under MINDEF will, through the PROTEGE scheme, offer job opportunities to veterans and provide certificate and diploma training for Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel before their retirement. This initiative will also include funding for the Work-Based Learning (WBL) and Readiness to Work programmes.
To strengthen security on the East Coast of Sabah, Anwar announced that the Tun Sharifah Rodziah Sea Platform, whose operational life ends in June 2026, will be replaced by a new Multi-Purpose Command Platform. – October 10, 2025