Butterworth: The government has sanctioned a RM156 million project for the construction of Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Butterworth Air Base, as announced by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The initiative will consist of 164 housing units across different categories, with plans to open the tender process this year. Completion is targeted within two to three years.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled highlighted the project's goal to improve the well-being of military personnel and acknowledge their contributions. An additional RM9.2 million has been allocated for RKAT unit maintenance at the Butterworth Air Base this year, with some units scheduled for repairs and others being upgraded from single-room to two-room accommodations for enhanced comfort.

Mohamed Khaled assured that the Unity Government is dedicated to the welfare of Armed Forces personnel, citing ongoing allocations for RKAT maintenance initiated with Budget 2023. He mentioned that RM420 million has been earmarked for the maintenance of 90 Armed Forces camps nationwide this year.

During his visit to the Butterworth Air Base, Mohamed Khaled inspected the Local Planned Maintenance 12 Years (LMP12Y) project and received a briefing from the managing director of G7 Global Aerospace at the Hornet Readiness Centre (HRC) Hangar. In a gesture to support military personnel facing financial challenges, he also presented a one-off welfare contribution of RM500 each to 20 chronic patients among service members and their families.

The visit was attended by Air Force chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan and his deputy, Lt Gen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.