RM23 BILLION BOOST FOR ARMED FORCES, COPS
Technologies, anti-terror op and welfare of veterans given emphasis
KUALA LUMPUR
MALAYSIANS can expect a boost in the country’s security with the RM23 billion allocated for the armed forces and police in the 2018 Budget.
The allocation will lead to the enhancement of technologies, logistics, and counter-terrorism operations, among others.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the budget focused on increasing the preparedness of the country’s military assets.
He said almost everything the ministry asked for had been approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“As a minister, what makes me proud is that the welfare of the soldiers and veterans was emphasised. The blueprint for the Army Family Housing highlighted more than 40,000 units to be built in phases by 2030. This could fulfil the needs of our (military) men to purchase a house, and it would be built in the near future.”
Next year, 6,000 units will be built.
Hishammuddin said focus on the personnel and veterans’ welfare could lead to a better quality of work and uplift their quality of life.
Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said he was pleased that the budget focused on his men and their welfare, and the allocations were beyond his expectations.
Najib yesterday announced that RM14 billion was allocated for armed forces.
From the amount, RM3 billion was allocated for procuring and maintaining defence assets while RM50 million was allocated to improve asset capabilities for the force’s Gerak Khas units to curb anti-terrorism activities.
He said RM40 million would be allocated to upgrade five hospitals, and build four polyclinics and hospitals for armed forces veterans.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said he was grateful that the government had allocated RM9 billion for the force to enhance security in the country, especially in curbing militant threats.
He said police had been waiting for the approval to develop the Regional Digital CounterMessaging Communications Centre to counter terrorism and extremists, such as the Islamic State militant group, and that the police were glad that it was tabled in the budget.
“The development of the centre would help us (police) in combating IS and curbing the dissemination of extreme ideology in the country.”
Fuzi said the 2018 Budget was the best budget ever received by the force as it was comprehensive.
He welcomed the allocation of RM720 million to build 11 police headquarters and six police stations, as well as to purchase firearms and operational vehicles.
The force would also receive an allocation of RM170 million to upgrade information and communications technology, including the 1PDRMnet system, as well as RM100 million to upgrade its communications systems.
The budget included a proposal that the Eastern Sabah Security Command be allocated RM250 million to increase border security in Sabah and Sarawak.
A sum of RM50 million was allocated to upgrade the firearm assets of special task forces to combat anti-terrorism activities.
For the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, RM900 million was allocated to repair and maintain its ships and boats, upgrade jetties as well as procure three patrol boats.
Its director-general, Admiral Datuk Zulkifili Abu Bakar, thanked the government and said the allocation would be used for the agency’s development and management expenditure next year.
Meanwhile, RM250 million will be allocated to the People’s Volunteer Corps for equipment and uniforms.