KOTA KINABALU: All parties, especially the Ministry of Defence, Finance Ministry and end users must be on the same page to resolve the issue over outdated assets which the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is facing now, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said.
He said the parties involved must know what needs to be prioritised in matters related to national defence and in caring for the welfare of military personnel.
"We cannot be talking about (defence) assets today but at the same time we want to find billions of ringgit to build houses for our members, hospitals for the military and schools for our members' children.
"Maintenance is also an issue. We have several assets but don't have the money for maintenance, so whatever approach we take (to solve the issue) it must be comprehensive and revolves around the country's stability. If the country is stable, it is easy for us to make plans," he told a media conference during his visit to Lok Kawi Camp here.
Also present were Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Yakub Khan and Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Yesterday, Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Reza Mohd Sany said insufficient provisions affect the ability to maintain high security alert level and to act against any threat.
Hishammuddin said to overcome the issue of obsolete assets, the government is currently working on procuring a second fleet of littoral mission ships (LMS) equipped with the appropriate weaponry.
"Apart from the French government's support, other parties involved have shown commitment to resolve the littoral combat ship (LCS) issue. So, our plan to resolve the LCS issue is ongoing but while waiting for the LCS to be ready, I am working on the next LMS fleet," he said.
The fourth and the last LMS, KD Rencong was commissioned into RMN service on Jan 28 this year and became part of the 11th LMS Squadron together with three others, KD Keris, KD Sundang and KD Badik at Kota Kinabalu Naval Base.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said overall he was satisfied with the level of readiness of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in Sabah and this was important to ensure that all planning and security initiatives in the state are carried out successfully.
"However, as I have stressed repeatedly, efforts to strengthen defence in Sabah are ongoing and will be improved from time to time," he said, adding that since helming the Defence Ministry again, various efforts have been and would be implemented.
Among them were the construction of a new camp in Felda Lahad Datu, the construction of 5th Brigade and 19th Royal Malay Regiment Camp in Kota Belud, the mobilisation of six MD530G helicopters to strengthen Sabah's security, the establishment of Kota Kinabalu Naval Air Station, the deployment of four LMS, and the construction of Region 2 Maritime Headquarters jetty in Sandakan, he added
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Oct 22 2022
All parties, especially the Ministry of Defence, Finance Ministry and end users must be on the same page to resolve the issue over the RMN outdated assets, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said. - BERNAMA
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.