Latest news with #KhaledNordin
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
30% of PLKN 3.0 trainees fail to report for duty, says Khaled
Defence minister Khaled Nordin said PLKN 3.0 is still in the trial phase, with full implementation expected to begin next year. (Bernama pic) KOTA TINGGI : Around 30% of participants from the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 failed to report for training due to various reasons, according to defence minister Khaled Nordin. He said the main reasons cited were health issues and offers to pursue higher education. 'So far, each series of PLKN 3.0 has recorded an absentee rate of about 10% to 15%, mostly due to valid reasons such as illness or having just been offered a university placement,' he told reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the Kembara Lestari Kota Tinggi with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah at Felda Lok Heng Barat here today. Khaled said PLKN 3.0 was still in the trial phase, with full implementation expected to begin next year. The 45-day programme has received positive feedback from participants, particularly on the military training elements which are deemed effective in instilling discipline and building identity. 'Participants from the previous two series gave good feedback and requested that the military training content be improved,' Khaled said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
National Defence Industry Policy to be presented to Cabinet next month, says Khaled
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP) is in its final stages of preparation and is scheduled to be presented at a cabinet meeting next month, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the ministry is finalising the policy as a strategic framework to enhance self-reliance, innovation, and technological advancement in the country's defence industry. He said the ministry firmly believes that self-reliant defence capabilities are fundamental to the nation's sovereignty, security, and independence, especially in the face of an increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape. "The ministry is currently developing and will continue to develop self-reliant defence capabilities with a focus on several key aspects, among them are the empowerment of the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute as a centre of excellence in Southeast Asia and the adoption of an integrated ecosystem approach in building science, technology, and innovation capabilities in defence. "This also includes the restructuring of the Malaysian Industry Council for Defence Enforcement and Security to Defence Industry Strategic Council to improve governance; the development of a comprehensive Industrial Collaboration Programme policy for the defence sector; and the establishment of a special purpose vehicle under the Armed Forces Fund Board to strengthen industrial development within the local defence ecosystem and to enhance ICP management," he said in reply to Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau). He inquired about measures taken by the government to build the capabilities for self-defence and the military, including the development of local weapons technology to reduce dependence on external powers in facing future threats, similar to the stance taken by Iran. Khaled said the government has also received and is considering research and development collaboration offers from nations, particularly Turkiye, in defence-related areas such as border security systems, professional radio systems and air defence systems among others. "For Malaysia, the development of self-reliant defence capabilities encompasses the advancement of technology, weapons systems, maintenance infrastructure and the strengthening of local human capital. The goal is to reduce dependence on foreign powers and enhance the efficiency of response to any threats," he said.
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Strengthening maritime security: Malaysia purchase of Italian maritime patrol aircraft — Phar Kim Beng and Jitkai Chin
JULY 7 — Although Malaysia has about 4675km of coastline length and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Area of more than 334,600 square km, Malaysia's current maritime surveillance relies heavily on Beechcraft Super King Air B200T and CN-235s operated by the RMAF and MMEA. While functional, these assets lack of modern sensors, data-link capabilities, and mission endurance critical to today's complex maritime security environment. In fact, Beechcraft Super King Air B200T, which was first entered service on 1994, was planned to be retired by 2024, after these aircraft reaching their operational lifespan. Seven CN-235 was originally operated as airlifters in 1998, three were upgraded to be Maritime Surveillance Aircraft between 2022–2024, under US Maritime Security Initiative. In recent discussions during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Italy, one of the focal points is the potential procurement of Italian-made maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). Although not explicitly named during the visit by PM in Italy last week, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced two MPAs will be delivered to Malaysia starting from 2026, designated P-72M, based on widely used commercial ATR 72-600 aircraft. Italy's defence industry is among the most reputable in the world. One of the most significant Italian defence footprints in Malaysia is through AgustaWestland, now part of Leonardo, which has supplied multiple generations of helicopters to Malaysian authorities. Over the past two decades, Leonardo has deepened its local partnerships, particularly in helicopter maintenance, pilot training, and logistics support. The company has positioned Malaysia as a potential regional hub for rotary-wing platforms, not only strengthens the defence readiness of Malaysia but also fosters local aerospace development and workforce upskilling. Over the past decade, several defence officials and Cabinet members have repeatedly raised alarms over the limited maritime surveillance coverage, especially across the vast EEZ in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca. The MPAs offers a modern and multi-role solutions. From environmental monitoring, border surveillance and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions to conduct anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, which can also directly address these gaps, offering long-range, real-time maritime domain awareness with minimal escalation risk. However, according to Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), Malaysia shall need at least six MPAs. The acquisition of the Leonardo P-72M MPAs presents Malaysia with more than just a defence upgrade, because it also offers a unique opportunity for Malaysia to play a more prominent, stabilizing role in safeguarding Asean's maritime domain. With regional waters challenged by piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crimes, there is increasing urgency for collective maritime vigilance. Assume that the P-72M is not much different from existing ATR-72MP, both of them have a range of approximately 4,000km and endurance of 8–9 hours in the sky. Obviously, two P-72M still insufficient to secure the maritime interests of Malaysia 24/7. Mathematically, at least one more required. Nonetheless, advanced surveillance capabilities and NATO-standards of P-72M still enable Malaysia to better support regional initiatives, for example the Eyes-in-the-Sky (EiS) trilateral patrol program. EiS is a multilateral cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore launched in 2005 to secure the Strait of Malacca. Enhanced ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) capabilities from P-72M allowing Malaysia to contribute more robustly to EiS through greater data sharing, coordination, and early threat detection. Furthermore, as other Asean members, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand operating maritime patrol aircraft of varying capabilities, Malaysia can potentially act as a central hub for joint surveillance exercises and maritime security cooperation — amplifying its influence in the region. That potential can only be materialised, provided the void of insufficiencies of MPAs filled by long endurance UAVs for maritime surveillance. There are limited choices available. But MQ-9B SeaGuardian and Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı from US and Türkiye, with endurance of up to 40 hours and 24 hours respectively, are suitable for Malaysia. In the broader context of Indo-Pacific stability, acquisition of Leonardo ATR 72MP gives Malaysia the capability to deter grey-zone threats and uphold freedom of navigation without provoking military escalation. The aircraft enhances Malaysia's ability to monitor conventional illicit maritime activities such as unregulated fishing, smuggling, and covert incursions — particularly in the South China Sea. Strategically, P-72M also aligns our maritime surveillance architecture with Australia, who is a key regional partner in which their P-8A Poseidon fleet and regional maritime engagement have been shaping Asean's defence dialogue. In addition, Australia's active support for capacity building, technical training, and joint exercises, such as through the Asean-Australia Maritime Exercise (AAMARLEX), can potentially complements the strengths of P-72M. By improving interoperability with Australian and other Nato-compatible assets, Malaysia has greater access to regional multilateral efforts while preserving its non-aligned, diplomacy-first doctrine. Thus, the MPAs not only serves as a sovereign asset; but also a regional bridge to advance the partnership of Malaysia in Indo-Pacific maritime governance. It brings opportunities of training, joint development and technology transfer from Italy, ensuring various authorities gaining not only state-of-the-art capabilities, but also the human capital for sustainable operation and regional leadership. In conclusions, securing our nation's maritime governance and interests cannot rely only on P-72M nor long endurance UAV alone, but a combination of different assets, as well as resources allocated for the well-trained personnel, facilities and maintenance of the assets. Of course, acquisition of P-72M is considered one of the most strategic choices to strengthen Malaysia's maritime surveillance and security posture. Its proven operational effectiveness and interoperability makes it ideal to meet the urgent need of defence modernization. To maximise these benefits, the government need to demonstrate the political determination to ensure transparent and efficient procurement processes, robust long-term support, and engagement with local industries that can elevate their aerospace capabilities. When executed with foresight and strategic planning, the MPAs could become the cornerstone of Malaysia's integrated maritime strategy, enhancing resilience of the nation, regional credibility, and global partnerships. * Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is the Professor of Asean Studies, Director of Institute of Internationalisation and Asean Studies (IINTAS), International Islamic University of Malaysia and Jitkai Chin, PhD PEng, is the Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Free Malaysia Today
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Troops must not share sensitive content on social media, says minister
Defence minister Khaled Nordin said armed forces commanders must issue firm instructions to their personnel on the responsible use of social media. (Bernama pic) TAWAU : Members of the Malaysian armed forces have been reminded to refrain from uploading sensitive content on social media, particularly related to security assets, to prevent hostile parties from identifying the nation's defence capabilities. Defence minister Khaled Nordin said he was confident that armed forces commanders would issue firm instructions to their personnel to use social media responsibly and avoid compromising national security. 'Sometimes in their eagerness to showcase training or equipment, some personnel may unintentionally reveal where such assets are stored. 'This could expose our strengths to those with ill intent,' he told reporters after officiating the Tawau 2025 Civil-Military Cooperation (Cimic) carnival at the Tawau Sports Complex today. Khaled was responding to a reminder issued yesterday by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, who cautioned military personnel against sharing everything on social media, particularly sensitive information related to troop movements and operations. Meanwhile, Khaled said the defence ministry continues to acquire strategic assets annually to strengthen national security. These are not off-the-shelf purchases, he stressed, but custom orders tailored to the armed forces's operational needs across land, air and sea to ensure suitability and effective deployment. 'We have already procured 18 FA-50 aircraft from South Korea, three littoral mission ships and are continuing with the construction of the littoral combat ships, alongside radar purchases to bolster our national defence,' he said. Commenting on ongoing global conflicts, including in Russia-Ukraine, Gaza, Iran-Israel, and India-Pakistan, he said these developments highlight the importance of Malaysia prioritising the acquisition of technology-driven defence assets. 'We are also aware of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, which remain a serious concern. The government is committed to ensuring balanced defence preparedness between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,' he added.
Daily Express
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Firm in Black Hawk fiasco awarded military airbase calibration job, say sources
Published on: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 By: K Parkaran, FMT Text Size: Last November, the defence ministry cancelled a lease of four Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters from Aerotree Defence and Services Sdn Bhd after the company failed to deliver the aircraft. (Aerotree Defence and Services pic) PETALING JAYA: Questions have been raised over the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) decision to award a new contract to a company which failed to deliver four Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters barely eight months ago. According to a letter, Aerotree Defence and Services Sdn Bhd was awarded a contract to calibrate the instrument landing system equipment for fixed-wing aircraft at three military air bases recently. Last November, the defence ministry cancelled a RM187 million Black Hawk lease contract it signed with Aerotree after the company failed to deliver the aircraft despite three date revisions. The four helicopters, leased for five years, were intended to serve as a platform for the army's Air Team Nucleus, supporting both training and operational flight missions. One source expressed 'shock' upon learning of the award, barely eight months after the Black Hawk 'fiasco'. Advertisement 'The defence ministry must explain how this is possible as we understand that another firm was initially awarded the calibration contract but lost it suddenly,' the source told FMT. FMT is withholding the name of the second company, pending a comment. Seven months ago, defence minister Khaled Nordin said the government's deal with Aerotree was called off after the company failed to meet its October delivery deadline. FMT has reached out to Aerotree CEO Halim Othman and RMAF for comment. Foreign-registered aircraft and crew Meanwhile, another source questioned the identity of the aircraft and air crew attending to the calibration of airfields at Labuan, Butterworth and Gong Kedak. The source also questioned whether Aerotree or the UK-based calibration company were in possession of a Malaysian air operation certificate (AOC) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). He said RMAF was obliged to clarify the matter, including whether the air crew possess valid work permits to carry out the work in the country. According to the source, the assurances sought were necessary as the entry and exit of foreigners from Malaysian air bases would pose a security risk. He claimed the calibration flights started on June 16 and are expected to be completed by today. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
