
PM announces RM250mil in project allocations for navy base in Lumut
LUMUT : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced project allocations totalling over RM250 million for the navy base in Lumut, to improve the well-being and welfare of security personnel, among other things.
He said RM65 million has been allocated for the construction of a specialist clinic complex and the upgrading of the armed forces hospital at the base.
Also approved were several key infrastructure projects, including the upgrading of the 33kV high-voltage distribution system, with an allocation of RM100 million, the replacement of the Bulk Fuel Installation operational tanks (RM23.3 million), and the upgrading of the operational jetty at the Lumut base (RM66.5 million).
'I urge the state secretary present here to immediately implement the construction of the specialist clinic complex and the upgrading of the Lumut armed forces hospital, for the well-being of navy personnel,' he said at a gathering with navy personnel here today.
Present were communications minister Fahmi Fadzil and navy chief Zulhelmy Ithnain.
Anwar said the government remains attentive to the need to enhance the country's defence assets, with the defence ministry receiving one of the largest allocations in the annual budget.
'Defence ranks third (in terms of allocation), after education and health. For 2025 alone, RM21.2 billion has been allocated – a significant amount for a developing nation,' he said.
He said the move reflected the government's appreciation of the sacrifices made by the security forces and was aimed at ensuring national stability, which is crucial for economic growth.
Anwar said he is often moved when learning of the poor condition of certain security assets that are still in use to safeguard the nation.
'That is why after becoming prime minister, I called in all the armed forces chiefs and asked them to outline their priority needs. Based on that, we work to secure sufficient funding to improve our defence machinery and assets,' he said.
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