Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is set to initiate several significant procurements under Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to modernise and enhance the capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). The plan includes acquiring air defence systems, multi-role support vessels, and upgrading assets and combat capabilities across all three service branches.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced the planned procurements, which consist of two batteries of medium-range air defence missile systems, two Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS), and surface-to-surface missile launcher systems for the 17th Patrol Vessel Squadron. Additional plans include acquiring infantry section vehicles, short- and very short-range air defence systems, modernising 81 millimetre (mm) mortar systems, and enhancing the MAF's satellite communication capabilities.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled highlighted that these initiatives align with the MAF's phased and realistic modernisation planning, such as the Army for the Next Generation for the Malaysian Army, the Royal Malaysian Navy's 15-to-5 Programme, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55).
In another sector, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni addressed the need for a legislative framework to control and enforce measures against advertising and sales practices promoting excessive sugar consumption. This initiative is part of the government's 'War Against Sugar' approach to protect public health amidst widespread sugary product advertisements.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal revealed that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), through the National Planetarium, is developing a new virtual reality space learning module (Planet VR), expected to launch next year. The module is currently undergoing testing and commissioning by the National Planetarium's outreach unit.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Youth and Sports also contributed to the debate on the Supply Bill 2026.