Formulation of policy for national defence to reduce dependency on foreign assets

According to the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) 2021-2025 document released by the Economic Planning Unit today, the policy will focus on products and services development and talent enhancement.

"Meanwhile, defence capacity and capability will be enhanced in safeguarding national sovereignty as outline in the Defence White Paper. In this regard, military capabilities will be strengthened in the aspects intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance," the statement said.

The document also said that maritime security will be fortified, especially in surveillance and enforcement activities as well as showing presence to protect the socio-economic interest and security of the country.

"Defence diplomacy will be intensified through bilateral and multilateral collaboration to reduce and avoid conflicts. Cooperation with countries and strategic partners will be strengthened through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) including in promoting joint exercises and training," it said.

Various efforts will be undertaken to safeguard national sovereignty from illegal immigrants and unlawful activities at the border as well as enhancing defence capacity and capability.

"These efforts include developing a holistic plan to manage illegal immigrants and unlawful activities, improving borders patrols and strengthening defence diplomacy. These initiatives are crucial in ensuring a safe nation as well as maintaining and promoting regional stability," the document said.

It also said the border control will also be improved through joints operations and border patrolling on land and maritime domains involving the Malaysian Armed Forces and enforcement agencies to prevent any unauthorised entry.

"The numbers of security posts located along the international borders will be increased especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

"Surveillance will be reinforced through the use of advanced systems and technology including sensors, radars, closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and drones to compensate for the limited number of personnel and inaccessible areas," it added.