Lumut: Mega projects under the Ministry of Defence will continue as planned, including the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, despite the ongoing global energy crisis. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that these initiatives will proceed according to the schedule outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan, emphasizing their critical role in national security and sovereignty.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adly highlighted the importance of meeting the targets for these projects to avoid increased financial costs due to delays. He stressed that these projects are crucial for safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and enhancing the capabilities of defence personnel. During a press conference at the Lautan Kasih Community Rehabilitation Centre, Lumut Navy Base, Adly confirmed the continuation of both planned and ongoing projects.
The launch event also saw the presence of Western Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Datuk Baharudin Wan Md Nor, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel Services Brigadier General Mohd Sam Mohd Yusof, and Lumut Base Commander First Admiral Jamaludin Sairi. Additionally, Group Syariah Head of Tabung Haji, Imran Mohamad Khayat, and Patron of the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), Datuk Megat Ahmad Shahrani Megat Sharuddin, attended the event.
In addressing cost concerns, Adly mentioned that the ministry is identifying cost-saving measures that will not impact the operations and training of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). He noted that certain departments and personnel might be eligible for work-from-home arrangements to support prudent spending, without compromising critical security functions. The ministry remains committed to optimizing its capabilities.
Furthermore, Adly assured that the ministry's programmes and initiatives, which connect the MAF with the community, will proceed as planned. He mentioned a review of all programmes highlighted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with an emphasis on maintaining prudent spending, particularly noting that ministries and government-linked companies will forgo Aidilfitri open houses this year due to the global energy crisis.