Kuala lumpur: The Defence Ministry (MINDEF) and the Home Ministry (KDN) have been allocated a combined total of RM42.9 billion under Budget 2026 to enhance national preparedness, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Defence Ministry will see an increase of RM500 million from the previous year, receiving RM21.7 billion, while the Home Ministry's budget increases by RM1.7 billion, reaching RM21.2 billion.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the budget prioritizes the enhancement of the country's preparedness level through several key initiatives. A significant portion, RM6 billion, will be used for maintaining and procuring defence assets, including acquiring new Medium, Short, and Very Short Range Air Defence systems, two Multi-Role Support Ships, and 10 vehicles for the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT).
The budget also allocates RM1 billion to maintain and purchase assets for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other uniformed bodies under the Home Ministry. This includes the procurement of 100 new 4x4 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).
Furthermore, over RM1.5 billion is earmarked for building and upgrading facilities for uniformed bodies. This will fund the construction of the MMEA State Complex in Tok Bali, Kelantan, the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters, the Lawin Police Station in Gerik, Perak, and the redevelopment of the MMEA and PPM Integrated Complex in Labuan. Additional projects include the Maritime Zone Complex in Kudat, Sabah, and the Artillery Training Centre at Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan. Upgrades are also planned for the ICQS Complex in Sungai Tujoh, Miri, Sarawak, and three GOF posts in Sungai Nibong, Sungai Banting, and Sekinchan, Selangor.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the allocation of RM45 million to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) for continued border security efforts. Priority will be given to recruiting military veterans to meet the agency's manpower needs, totaling 220 personnel.
Anwar emphasized that companies awarded procurement contracts under MINDEF will provide job opportunities for veterans through the PROTEGE scheme and offer training programs to Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel before retirement, including funding for Work-Based Learning (WBL) and Readiness to Work programs.
To further strengthen security on the East Coast of Sabah, the Tun Sharifah Rodziah Sea Platform will be replaced with a new Multi-Purpose Command Platform when its operational period ends in June 2026.