KUALA LUMPUR — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin has agreed with the view that military exercises conducted in Pahang do not require prior consent from the state’s royal institution, citing the Federal Constitution’s provisions on federal and state powers.
Khaled made the statement in Parliament today while responding to Tanah Merah MP Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Perikatan Nasional), who argued that the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) have the authority to conduct exercises at locations deemed suitable, Malay Mail Online reported.
Ikmal said this authority was clearly provided for under the Federal Constitution, a position which Khaled said he supported.
“It would be good if all MPs argue as Tanah Merah did since it would make my job easier. Among the explanations in his own question, he said the Federal Constitution clearly outlines Federal and State powers,” Khaled said.
“He (Ikmal) also said the problem must be tackled with tact and wisdom so that it would not set a precedent. We agree with all his views,” he added.
The issue arose in May after Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, said the armed forces must obtain prior consent from the Sultan of Pahang before conducting military training and exercises in the state.
The statement, issued by Istana Abdulaziz, was made in relation to concerns over a planned military training exercise near Pahang’s islands, with Tengku Hassanal warning that such activities could potentially harm the environment.
Khaled also agreed that military drills should not compromise environmental conservation efforts, although he did not confirm whether any previous exercises had affected the local ecosystem.
Earlier, Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (Barisan Nasional) raised concerns from constituents who claimed military exercises had caused damage to their orchards and farms.
However, Khaled said he had not received any direct complaints from residents and pledged that investigations would be carried out should formal reports be submitted.
“This is the first time I am hearing the complaint that military exercises had resulted in damages to properties but rest assured that if these grievances are communicated formally we will probe them,” he said. – July 16, 2026