Minister Khaled Nordin says strengthening Malaysia’s defence capabilities is a key priority.
Khaled said the move is not a direct response to the Philippines’ military build-up on Balabac Island.
He said every country has the right to enhance its defence capabilities, and Malaysia was similarly committed to ensuring its armed forces remained prepared for any potential escalation of regional tensions.
“However, our efforts are not a reaction to what the Philippines is doing in its southern region, but part of our preparations to ensure that any escalation of tensions will have minimal impact on Malaysia,” he told reporters after receiving the first FA-50M aircraft from South Korea at the RMAF base here.
He was commenting on the Philippine government’s efforts to strengthen military facilities on Balabac Island in southern Palawan, which has been designated as a military cooperation site accessible to the US forces.
Khaled said strengthening Malaysia’s defence capabilities, particularly in Sabah, remained a key priority of the defence ministry.
He said the ministry would determine the number of FA-50M light combat aircraft to be stationed at the Labuan air base following the planned decommissioning of Hawk fighter aircraft in 2028.
“Once the Hawk aircraft are phased out in 2028, we will determine how many FA-50M aircraft will be stationed at the Labuan air base,” he said.
Khaled also said the government had decided to install new radar systems in Sabah, including on Layang-Layang island, to enhance surveillance and early detection capabilities.
“The ministry would also increase military personnel in Sabah, where more than 10,000 troops are currently stationed, while new military camps have been developed to strengthen operational readiness,” he said. - FMT
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