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The Government will allocate a combined RM42.9 billion to defence and internal security under Budget 2026, with Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscoring the importance of national preparedness in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Announcing the budget in Parliament today, Anwar said the Ministry of Defence will receive RM21.7 billion, while the Ministry of Home Affairs is allocated RM21.2 billion.
“The priority is to enhance national readiness,” he said, outlining several critical initiatives to strengthen Malaysia’s defence capabilities and internal security framework.
A total of RM6 billion is earmarked for the maintenance and procurement of new defence assets, including medium, short and very short-range air defence systems, two Multi-Role Support Ships, and ten vehicles for the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT).
An additional RM1 billion will go towards equipping the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and uniformed agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This includes the acquisition of 100 four-wheel drive pickups for intelligence and operations, four Fast Patrol Vessels for the Marine Police, and a new Maritime Surveillance Aircraft for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM).
Infrastructure development and upgrades for defence and security facilities will receive more than RM1.5 billion.
Notable projects include the construction of a new APMM State Complex in Tok Bali, Kelantan; a new Sarawak Police Headquarters; upgrades to the Labuan Integrated Complex for APMM and Marine Police; the Maritime Zone Complex in Kudat, Sabah; and an artillery training centre in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan.
Other projects include the upgrading of the Sungai Tujoh ICQS checkpoint in Miri, additional facilities for the 23rd Battalion of the General Operations Force (PGA) in Sri Aman, and three new PGA outposts in Sungai Nibong, Sungai Banting and Sekinchan, Selangor.
In a key move to reinforce maritime security along the vulnerable eastern Sabah coast, the ageing Tun Sharifah Rodziah Sea Platform, set to retire in June 2026, will be replaced with a new Multi-Purpose Command Platform.
Anwar also announced that companies awarded defence procurement contracts by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) will be required to offer employment to military veterans through the PROTÉGÉ programme.
The initiative also includes certification and diploma training for Armed Forces personnel prior to retirement, backed by funding for Work-Based Learning and readiness programmes.
On border security, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has prevented over 10,000 illegal entries and intercepted contraband at national borders since its establishment.
RM45 million will be allocated to support AKPS operations in 2026, with priority recruitment of 220 new personnel from among retired military veterans to ensure full operational readiness.
“This is about not only upgrading our defence posture, but ensuring those who have served the nation continue to have a role in its protection,” said Anwar. - October 10, 2025