Latest news with #Mersing
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sultan Ibrahim: Don't let salesmen decide Malaysia's military buys
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has urged the government to prioritise quality and practicality in military asset acquisitions, warning against purchases based solely on agents' recommendations. Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Parade of the Special Forces Regiment at Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Johor today, the King emphasised that careful planning is essential to enhance the readiness of the Special Forces Regiment. 'All acquisitions must be based on market prices and actual operational needs, not just on agents' suggestions,' Sultan Ibrahim said, according to a post on his official Facebook page. 'Do not waste time buying items that are unnecessary or unsuitable for the military. 'If you don't know the price, consult me first.' Sultan Ibrahim recalled a past warning regarding the purchase of Rigid Riding Craft (RRC) boats for commandos at RM5 million each, when better alternatives could be acquired for under RM2 million. 'Recently, I learned there was a proposal to buy the same type of boat again, slightly larger, at nearly RM10 million. 'This is unreasonable and must be carefully reviewed,' he added. The King also highlighted concerns over delayed projects, including a combat diving pool at Kem Iskandar, which was scheduled for completion in 2022 but remains unusable. 'Beyond price, the quality of items purchased must also be prioritised,' Sultan Ibrahim said.


Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sultan Ibrahim: Don't let salesmen decide Malaysia's military buys
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has urged the government to prioritise quality and practicality in military asset acquisitions, warning against purchases based solely on agents' recommendations. Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Parade of the Special Forces Regiment at Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Johor today, the King emphasised that careful planning is essential to enhance the readiness of the Special Forces Regiment. 'All acquisitions must be based on market prices and actual operational needs, not just on agents' suggestions,' Sultan Ibrahim said, according to a post on his official Facebook page. 'Do not waste time buying items that are unnecessary or unsuitable for the military. 'If you don't know the price, consult me first.' Sultan Ibrahim recalled a past warning regarding the purchase of Rigid Riding Craft (RRC) boats for commandos at RM5 million each, when better alternatives could be acquired for under RM2 million. 'Recently, I learned there was a proposal to buy the same type of boat again, slightly larger, at nearly RM10 million. 'This is unreasonable and must be carefully reviewed,' he added. The King also highlighted concerns over delayed projects, including a combat diving pool at Kem Iskandar, which was scheduled for completion in 2022 but remains unusable. 'Beyond price, the quality of items purchased must also be prioritised,' Sultan Ibrahim said.


Malay Mail
19 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sultan Ibrahim calls for quality over costly military purchases
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has urged the government to prioritise quality and practicality in military asset acquisitions, warning against purchases based solely on agents' recommendations. Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Parade of the Special Forces Regiment at Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Johor today, the King emphasised that careful planning is essential to enhance the readiness of the Special Forces Regiment. 'All acquisitions must be based on market prices and actual operational needs, not just on agents' suggestions,' Sultan Ibrahim said, according to a post on his official Facebook page. 'Do not waste time buying items that are unnecessary or unsuitable for the military. 'If you don't know the price, consult me first.' Sultan Ibrahim recalled a past warning regarding the purchase of Rigid Riding Craft (RRC) boats for commandos at RM5 million each, when better alternatives could be acquired for under RM2 million. 'Recently, I learned there was a proposal to buy the same type of boat again, slightly larger, at nearly RM10 million. 'This is unreasonable and must be carefully reviewed,' he added. The King also highlighted concerns over delayed projects, including a combat diving pool at Kem Iskandar, which was scheduled for completion in 2022 but remains unusable. 'Beyond price, the quality of items purchased must also be prioritised,' Sultan Ibrahim said.


Malay Mail
19 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
‘Do we want to put our pilots in a flying coffin?' King orders Defence Ministry to scrap Black Hawk purchase
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has directed the Defence Ministry to scrap plans to acquire ageing Black Hawk helicopters, warning against repeating past procurement mistakes that could jeopardise the safety of Malaysian Armed Forces personnel. Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Parade of the Rejimen Gerak Khas at Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Johor today, the King, as Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, said the proposed helicopters were over 30 years old and unsuitable for service. 'Do not repeat the mistake we made when we bought second-hand SkyHawk aircraft. 'Do we want to put our pilots in a 'flying coffin'? Think about it yourselves,' Sultan Ibrahim said, according to a post on his official Facebook page. He also criticised the influence of middlemen and former generals in defence procurement. 'I believe this happens because the Defence Ministry is full of 'agents' or former generals who act as salesmen, and even some cloth-selling companies try to sell drones,' he added. Sultan Ibrahim stressed the importance of proper budgeting and warned against misleading claims in defence deals. 'If every purchase is done through middlemen, the allocated funds will never be enough. 'So do not try to mislead me. 'If you refuse to heed my advice, I will not intervene next time,' he said. The royal directive highlights the King's insistence on accountability, cost-effectiveness, and the safety of military personnel in defence procurement.


Malay Mail
19 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
‘If you eat chilli, you feel the heat': Sultan Ibrahim warns against misuse of military honour badges
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has issued a stern reminder to members of the Malaysian Armed Forces about the correct wearing of honour berets and badges on military uniforms. Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Parade of the Special Forces Regiment at Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Johor today, Sultan Ibrahim, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, said all berets and badges should reflect the wearer's actual skills, qualifications, and identity — not serve merely as decoration. 'For example, I myself completed Special Forces and parachute training at Fort Bragg, United States. Therefore, I am entitled to wear those badges on my uniform,' he said, according to a post on his official Facebook page. The King added a caution for those who have received honorary badges. 'If you are only an honorary recipient, the badge can only be worn at that specific event, not as a daily decoration. 'So, for those who are not entitled to wear them… you know what should be done. 'This morning, I am only issuing a mild reprimand, siapa yang makan cili, dia yang rasa pedas (if you eat chili, you must feel the heat).' The royal admonition comes as part of the King's call to uphold discipline and authenticity within the armed forces, emphasising that uniforms and insignia should accurately reflect a soldier's experience and qualifications.