Latest news with #MohamedKhaledNordin

The Star
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Mohamed Khaled begins three-day official visit to Turkiye
ISTANBUL: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin arrived here on Tuesday (July 22) night for a three-day official visit to Turkiye aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and exploring strategic defence opportunities. He landed at Istanbul Airport at approximately 9.30pm local time (2.30am Malaysian time), where he was received by Malaysia's Consul General in Istanbul, Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar, and Turkish Liaison Officer Captain (Engineer) Serkan Ekin. Mohamed Khaled is accompanied by Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain and a delegation from the Defence Ministry. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Sudan - Turkiye's Defence Minister Yasar Guler, Azerbaijan's Defence Minister Vugar Mustafayev, and Sudan's Defence Minister Hassan Daoud Kayan. He will also attend the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025, one of the world's leading defence exhibitions, organised by Turkiye's Ministry of National Defence. The exhibition is taking place at the Istanbul Expo Centre from July 22 to 27 and brings together global defence industry stakeholders to showcase and explore the latest technologies and innovations. Several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Malaysian government agencies and companies with their Turkish counterparts are expected to be signed during the exhibition. As part of his itinerary, Mohamed Khaled will also meet with officials from Turkiye's Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), the agency responsible for managing the country's defence industry and military technology development. In addition, he is scheduled to inspect the progress of three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) from the second batch, currently under construction by Turkish defence firm Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik (STM) at the Istanbul Shipyard. This follows his visit to Turkiye in June last year, during which the Ministry of Defence issued the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to STM for the procurement of the three LMS vessels. - Bernama

The Star
2 days 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
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia explores defence R&D cooperation with Turkey, others
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is evaluating potential research and development (R&D) collaborations in the defence sector with multiple countries, particularly Turkey, to enhance national self-defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin highlighted that such partnerships would cover key areas like Border Security Systems, Professional Radio Systems, and Air Defence Systems. 'The government is committed to strengthening local defence capabilities through a comprehensive approach, including the development of technology, weapons systems, and human capital,' he said in Parliament today. His statement came in response to a query from Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) regarding steps to bolster Malaysia's military self-sufficiency. Mohamed Khaled outlined ongoing initiatives, such as empowering the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) as a regional hub for excellence. Additionally, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) is being established to reinforce the local defence industry ecosystem. The Defence Ministry has also restructured the Malaysian Industry Council for Defence Enforcement & Security (MIDES) into the Defence Industry Strategic Council. This move aims to enhance governance and refine the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) policy for a more robust defence sector. Meanwhile, the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), designed to promote local innovation and technology, is in its final stages of preparation. The policy is expected to be presented to the Cabinet in August. - Bernama

Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
M'sia Mulls Defence R&D Cooperation Wth Other Countries
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- The government is considering offers of research and development (R&D) cooperation in the defence industry with several countries, especially Turkey, to strengthen the country's self-defence capabilities and reduce dependence on external forces. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the cooperation involves various aspects including Border Security System, Professional Radio System and Air Defence System. "The government is committed to strengthening local defence capabilities through a comprehensive approach, including the development of technology, weapons systems and strengthening human capital," he said in response to a question by Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) during the question and answer session in Dewan Rakyat today.


The Sun
6 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