Latest news with #MohamedKhaled
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Defence white paper mid-term review to be presented to select committee soon, says Mohamed Khaled
KUALA LUMPUR: The mid-term review of the defence white paper is set to be presented to the Parliament Special Select Committee on Defence, announced Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The review, previously tabled in the Cabinet on June 25, focuses on enhancing Malaysia's self-defence capabilities. "The ministry firmly believes that self-reliant defence capability is the cornerstone of national sovereignty, security, and freedom, especially in the face of an increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape," Mohamed Khaled stated in Parliament on Monday (July 21). Responding to a query from Kamal Ashaari (PN- Kuala Krau) regarding the government's efforts in developing self-defence capabilities, Mohamed Khaled outlined the ministry's strategy, which includes developing technology, weapon systems, maintenance infrastructure, and strengthening local human capital. These efforts aim to reduce dependence on foreign powers and improve responses to threats. Key initiatives include empowering the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (Stride) as a centre of excellence in Southeast Asia and restructuring the Malaysian Industry Council for Defence Enforcement & Security (MIDES) into the Defence Industry Strategic Council to enhance governance. The ministry is also developing a comprehensive policy for the defence sector's Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) and establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) to strengthen industrial development linkages within the local defence ecosystem. To further boost self-reliance and innovation in defence technology, the ministry is finalising the National Defence Industry Policy, set to be presented to the Cabinet in August. Mohamed Khaled added that the government is considering research and development collaborations with partner countries, such as Turkiye, in the defence sector.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
USIM teaching hospital to boost Kota Tinggi development
KOTA TINGGI: The Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Teaching Hospital (HPUSIM) project in Mukim Sedili is poised to become a key driver of development in the Kota Tinggi parliamentary constituency, according to its MP, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Mohamed Khaled, who also serves as Defence Minister, stated that the project is currently in the planning and detailed assessment phase. 'The project is being carefully planned and reviewed. Naturally, it involves cost considerations before we proceed with the appointment of the contractor,' he said during the Kembara Lestari @ Kota Tinggi programme at Felda Lok Heng Barat. He explained that the first phase of the project will require an estimated allocation of RM900 million and is expected to significantly benefit Kota Tinggi's economy, particularly in the Sedili area. 'We expect to see progress from this initial stage within the next two to three years. It's not a matter of approving the allocation today and starting construction tomorrow,' he added. The project has also received royal endorsement, with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, expressing confidence in its potential to enhance infrastructure and local well-being. His Majesty noted that the hospital would stimulate Johor's economy and improve community welfare. - Bernama
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Health and study reasons why 30% skip PLKN 3.0
KOTA TINGGI: Around 30 per cent of participants in the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 did not attend training, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He stated that health concerns and higher education opportunities were the primary reasons for their absence. Mohamed Khaled explained, 'So far, each series of PLKN 3.0 has recorded an absentee rate of about 10 to 15 per cent, mostly due to valid reasons such as illness or having just offered a university placement.' He shared these details after attending the Kembara Lestari Kota Tinggi event with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) in Felda Lok Heng Barat. PLKN 3.0 remains in its trial phase, with full implementation expected next year. The programme retains a 45-day training period and has received positive feedback, particularly on its military training components. 'Participants from the previous two series gave good feedback and requested that the military training content be improved,' he added. The first series of PLKN 3.0 was held at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Kuala Lumpur from January 12 to February 25, while the second series ran from May 11 to June 24. The third series is scheduled from September 7 to October 21 at camps in Kuala Lumpur and Pekan, Pahang. - Bernama
Barnama
15-07-2025
- General
- Barnama
LTAT Foundation Introduces Five Educational Initiatives To Assist MAF Personnel's Children
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) Foundation today launched five educational initiative programmes for this year to empower the education, skills and welfare of children and families of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said these initiatives are being introduced to safeguard the welfare of MAF personnel, not only in terms of assets but also by focusing on the education and skills development of their children and families. "The first initiative is the e-Perkasa Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2025 Programme, a collaboration between LTAT Foundation and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), involving a total of 652 students who attend schools outside military camps. "Through this programme, every student selected will be provided with a free device sponsored by BHIC AeroServices Sdn Bhd (BHICAS), Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) and Perbadanan Perwira Niaga Malaysia (Pernama), which is the programme's overall sponsor,' he said. He said this when officiating the launch of the 2025 LTAT Foundation Education Initiatives at a leading hotel here today. Mohamed Khaled said the second initiative is the 'Sentuhan Elit SPM' Programme, which involves 658 selected students from six schools in camps (SDK). "They will participate in programmes such as intensive SPM tuition, exam answering technique workshops as well as career and post-SPM directions,' he said. He added that the third initiative is the "Kemahiran Keluarga Tentera (K2T)' programme, which expands access to tertiary-level education and skills training for MAF personnel, including Armed Forces Family Welfare Body (BAKAT) members and their children. "They can attend 22 short courses, such as culinary and makeup. Those who further their studies at MARA educational institutions in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or its equivalent will receive sponsorship covering fees not exceeding RM3,000 per person.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Govt initiatives at military camps generating income, food security
GEORGE TOWN: The Madani Economy initiatives implemented in military camps nationwide have successfully generated additional income for families of armed forces personnel while contributing to the development of downstream industries, including food security, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic). The Defence Minister said the projects – supported through a RM10mil allocation and carried out in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry – reflect the government's efforts to enhance the economy and promote sustainability within the defence community. Citing the stingless bee honey and oyster mushroom entrepreneurship projects undertaken by the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (2 RAMD) community at Sungai Ara Camp in Bayan Lepas, he said these ventures also help occupy the time of family members, particularly as the camp's personnel are scheduled for a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon next year. 'When we talk about preparedness, we look not only at assets but also at our personnel and their families. We value the contributions and sacrifices of the Malaysian Armed Forces and understand that the well-being of personnel includes the welfare of their families. 'With support from the Higher Education Ministry, we have identified valuable skills that can be transferred to the families within military camps,' he told reporters after a working visit to the Sungai Ara Camp yesterday, Bernama reported. Mohamed Khaled also expressed appreciation to the military families involved in the stingless bee honey and oyster mushroom projects at the camp, which incorporate elements of smart agriculture, technical training and entrepreneurship opportunities for members of the 2 RAMD Bakat (the military families' welfare association), in line with Kem Madani aspirations. He also presented RM500 in welfare aid to 15 individuals with chronic illnesses, comprising military personnel. Also present were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Army Chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Army Western Field Commander Lt-Jen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman and 2nd Infantry Division Commander Mejar-Jen Datuk Fazal Abdul Rahman.
