Latest news with #ExerciseKerisStrikeSeries30
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Old equipment may have caused commando's death, says army chief
LENGGONG: The army believes the use of equipment past its operational lifespan was a contributing factor in the death of a commando during an exercise in Kuantan recently. Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said that early findings suggest the diving equipment used may have exceeded its lifespan. "We are reviewing the case. Based on preliminary findings, it appears there may be issues related to the equipment used, which is rather outdated. "We are conducting a thorough review and audit to determine whether the incident resulted from human error or equipment failure. "We haven't concluded the investigation yet, but God willing, we will provide the findings in due time," he said. Hafizuddeain said this during a press conference after the closing of Exercise Keris Strike Series 30/2025 involving the militaries of the United States, Australian and Malaysia at Felda Lawin Selatan here today. On July 3, Corporal Mohd Haswansir Julnasir, 30, of the Special Service Group (GGK) was reported missing while conducting a diving exercise off Kuantan using a closed-circuit breathing apparatus (CCBA) at 12.15pm. Hafizuddeain said all military equipment had lifespans and maintenance schedules. "Every piece of equipment or weaponry we use has a defined service life and corresponding policy. "Some are rated for 10 years, others for 20. During that period, scheduled maintenance must be carried out. "What we're looking at now is whether those maintenance procedures were followed according to schedule," he added. He said one of the critical pieces of equipment under scrutiny is the CCBA. Asked how long the full investigation would take, Hafizuddeain said it would depend on the complexity of the issues involved.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ageing assets a challenge, says army chief
LENGGONG: The Malaysian Army is grappling with the challenges of maintaining ageing assets but remains operationally ready through a meticulous maintenance regime. Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said that current assets, particularly vehicles, were legacy systems that have been in service for years. "There are definitely challenges because we are managing legacy assets. Many of our assets, like vehicles and so on, are already quite old. "But we practise a very meticulous maintenance system, so that their readiness is always at least at a satisfactory level, allowing us to carry out our core duties and responsibilities," he said. He said this during a press conference after attending the closing ceremony of Exercise Keris Strike Series 30/2025, a trilateral military cooperation between the United States Army Pacific Command and the Australian Army held at Felda Lawin Selatan here today. Looking ahead, he said the army was realigning its development strategies under the 4NextG 2021–2025 transformation plan, now integrated with the national defence vision for a Future Force. "We are reassessing the capabilities that should be prioritised as we move toward becoming a Future Force," he said. However, Hafizuddeain admitted that budgetary constraints remain a significant hurdle. "Of course, we don't have the financial allocation to make many acquisitions. So, we have to carefully refine every capability development plan according to priorities," he said. He said the army has a comprehensive "wish list" of needed upgrades and acquisitions, but each item must be evaluated based on strategic importance and alignment with future defence goals. "We have to prioritise each item according to the direction of the Future Force, in line with the other services such as the navy and the air force," he said. On the exercise, 4,000 Malaysian soldiers, 233 personnel from the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC), and 151 professionals from the Australian Army took part in the drills from July 17 to 29. In his closing speech, Hafizuddeain said the primary aim of the exercise was to enhance interoperability and the ability to operate jointly and seamlessly. "Through a comprehensive series of engagements, including the staff exercise, command post exercise, and field training exercise, we have significantly strengthened the operational cohesion between our three forces. "Guided by the theme, 'Strengthening Partnerships, Enhancing Readiness, ' I am pleased to report that the exercise has successfully achieved all its intended objectives," he said. He added that one of the highlights this year was the first-ever combined live-firing exercise involving the Astros II MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) from the Malaysian Army and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from the United States Army. "It was not just a show of firepower. It was a demonstration of trust and integration. Two systems, two countries, one mission, to defend peace, deter threats, and stand ready," he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Army urges stronger oversight in wake of armoured vehicle contract delays
LENGGONG: The Malaysian Army has called for stronger procurement oversight and contract enforcement mechanisms. This follows revelations that RM167 million in late penalties remain uncollected from the contractor responsible for delivering the Gempita armoured vehicles. The issue, highlighted in the Auditor General's (AG) report, underscores ongoing weaknesses in defence procurement enforcement, particularly regarding contractual penalties for delays. Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said that while the army played a key role as the end-user of defence assets, responsibility for contract enforcement lay squarely with the Defence Ministry (Mindef). "We report delays when they happen, but the enforcement of penalties is under Mindef, as the contract manager. "This isn't the first time such a situation has occurred, but this case was highlighted by the Auditor-General," he said. He told reporters this after attending the closing ceremony of Exercise Keris Strike Series 30/2025 — a trilateral military exercise involving the United States Army Pacific Command and the Australian Army — held at Felda Lawin Selatan here today. He confirmed that RM167 million in late delivery penalties linked to delays in supplying the Gempita armoured vehicles have yet to be collected. "There's no evidence of leakage or misconduct, but clearly, procedures may not have been followed strictly. "In the future, we will need to remind contract managers to ensure enforcement and collections are done properly," he said. Hafizuddeain said the penalties would be collected in stages, including through the drawing of performance bonds and by offsetting the amount against future contracts with the same company. He emphasised the reputational risks posed to the military, stressing that although the army was not directly involved in contract management, it continued to monitor procurement projects closely. "We continuously monitor the situation because we do not want such matters to be reported and damage the reputation or good name of the army. "It's just that perhaps the procedures weren't fully followed in managing the contract. So, in the future, we'll be more careful. "Maybe we'll need to remind the contract managers to ensure they make the necessary collections, because we still have many ongoing projects," he said. On July 21, the AG uncovered weaknesses in the Malaysian Army's management of armoured vehicle contracts, including the failure to collect RM162.75 million in penalties imposed on its supplier. According to the AG's Report 2/2025, the penalties stemmed from supply delays involving 70 Gempita units delivered between August 2020 and December 2022. The assets were delivered up to 1,048 days past the agreed schedule. Despite the delays, the Defence Ministry had made full payment of RM7.5 billion for the contract by June 2023.
