Latest news with #RKAT
Daily Express
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
‘Get it done or get out!' order
Published on: Monday, May 05, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025 By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Khaled at the construction site of the RKAT. TAWAU: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin warned contractors involved in projects at army camps to 'Get it done or get out!' He said the Ministry would not hesitate to terminate those unable to complete their projects. 'If they fail, we'll terminate the project (contractor services). Just yesterday (Saturday at the Joint Task Force Headquarters 2 – MKATB 2, Kukusan Camp), we terminated a contractor,' he said. Khaled was referring to delays in the construction of a 144-unit Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) project at Kukusan Camp, which received RM77 million in funding and was originally scheduled for completion in July 2024 after starting in September 2021. Khaled was on a working visit to the 7th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) at Kubota Camp, Sunday. Present was Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Khaled said such issues present challenges, particularly in terms of project delays and increased costs, but insisted the project must proceed for the benefit of military personnel. 'When we open for a new tender, we face further delays and rising costs, and we're forced to use funds that were meant for other priorities. 'That's why we're not pleased when a project fails or stalls, because it brings about numerous problems – especially longer completion times and higher construction costs,' he said. On another project, he said the RM99 million RKAT-Multi-Purpose Extension project at Kubota Camp is scheduled for completion in September 2026. Khaled said the Ministry would closely monitor the project, as it is considered highly important, and hoped that it would be completed on schedule with support from the Public Works Department (JKR) and contractor assurances. 'This working visit is important to assess all developments approved by the government, particularly those related to the welfare of our armed forces, and ensure they are completed as planned. This (RKAT) project is vital to ensure our military personnel have decent and appropriate housing to grow and raise their families successfully. 'If it's not completed, our personnel will be forced to rent housing outside the camp, which exposes us to all sorts of challenges and issues.' On the maintenance of army camp housing, Khaled said it is allocated RM400 million annually since 2023 and significantly higher compared to previous administrations, which provided no more than RM100m. 'This year, Kubota Camp has been allocated RM1 million for maintenance work on existing houses to ensure the comfort of military families,' he said. Regarding the welfare and economic development of military personnel, Khaled said the Ministry is preparing to implement the Madani Outreach Camp Program (PKSM), sponsored by the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), with a budget of RM500,000 across five selected military camps nationwide. As part of this programme, the hall at Kubota Camp would be upgraded. He said the camp has also been selected for a stingless bee (kelulut) honey farming project involving military spouses alongside their husbands. Khaled also revealed intention to replace the Pangkalan Laut Tun Sharifah Rodziah, which will be 10 years old next year. Among the ministry's proposals he said is to acquire a new, more mobile Forward Operating Base capable of accommodating helicopters with loads exceeding six tons. Additionally, he said the Ministry of Defence has reportedly just received four new Coastal Surveillance System (CSS) radar units to be installed along the East Coast of Sabah. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
04-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Soldiers, spouses profit from kelulut honey in RM10m Madani Camp drive
TAWAU, May 4 — The government has allocated RM10 million this year to implement the Madani Camp Programme in military camps nationwide, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the ministry had proposed the initiative to ensure military personnel and their families also benefit from a programme similar in spirit to the Madani Economic Programme. As an example, Kabota Camp here has been identified for a stingless bee honey (kelulut) project aimed at generating income for members of the 7 RAMD Armed Forces Welfare Body (Bakat) and their spouses. 'We decided to bring the Madani Economic Programme into military camps, as communities outside are already enjoying its economic benefits. 'Boustead Plantation Berhad, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), is also involved,' he said during a visit to the kelulut honey project site and the new military family housing (RKAT) construction area at Kabota Camp, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Mohamed Khaled added that the ministry has also received support from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to implement other projects, including fertigation and mushroom cultivation. 'Each camp can choose its own focus based on local interest. For example, the kelulut honey project at Kabota Camp is carried out in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which has expertise in this field,' he said. He noted that such projects not only help generate additional income but also contribute to the national economy if expanded. Meanwhile, Madani Camp participant Staff Sergeant Muhammad Zamzuri Zulkefli expressed his gratitude for being selected for the kelulut honey project, which has helped increase his family's income. 'We received training from UMT experts on how to care for the bees. 'This project follows the 3T concept – ternak (rear), tinggal (stay), and tuai (harvest). It's easy to manage, and my wife, who's a homemaker, can look after it in her free time,' he said. UMT Knowledge Transfer Centre director, Dr Zuha Rosufila Abu Hasan, said the programme is a collaboration between the Defence and Higher Education ministries, involving four universities in the first phase. UMT leads the kelulut honey project, UTHM is implementing hydroponic initiatives, while UiTM and UniMAP are focusing on mushroom cultivation. 'These projects provide direct benefits to camp communities and bring university research closer to the people. They are also aimed at improving household incomes,' she said. Dr Zuha explained that UMT offers workshops covering basic beekeeping, downstream product development, and bee trap making. She said kelulut bees are reared in wooden boxes and can produce about one kilogramme of honey each month. 'At Kabota Camp, 60 hives are managed by 20 Bakat participants. The market price for a kilogramme of pure kelulut honey is over RM500,' she added. — Bernama
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Gov't allocates RM10 million for MADANI programme in military camps
TAWAU: The government has allocated RM10 million this year to implement the MADANI Camp Programme in military camps nationwide, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the ministry had proposed the initiative to ensure military personnel and their families also benefit from a programme similar in spirit to the MADANI Economic Programme. As an example, Kabota Camp here has been identified for a stingless bee honey (kelulut) project aimed at generating income for members of the 7 RAMD Armed Forces Welfare Body (Bakat) and their spouses. 'We decided to bring the MADANI Economic Programme into military camps, as communities outside are already enjoying its economic benefits. 'Boustead Plantation Berhad, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), is also involved,' he said during a visit to the kelulut honey project site and the new military family housing (RKAT) construction area at Kabota Camp, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Mohamed Khaled added that the ministry has also received support from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to implement other projects, including fertigation and mushroom cultivation. 'Each camp can choose its own focus based on local interest. For example, the kelulut honey project at Kabota Camp is carried out in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which has expertise in this field,' he said. He noted that such projects not only help generate additional income but also contribute to the national economy if expanded. Meanwhile, MADANI Camp participant Staff Sergeant Muhammad Zamzuri Zulkefli expressed his gratitude for being selected for the kelulut honey project, which has helped increase his family's income. 'We received training from UMT experts on how to care for the bees. 'This project follows the 3T concept - ternak (rear), tinggal (stay), and tuai (harvest). It's easy to manage, and my wife, who's a homemaker, can look after it in her free time,' he said. UMT Knowledge Transfer Centre director, Dr Zuha Rosufila Abu Hasan, said the programme is a collaboration between the Defence and Higher Education ministries, involving four universities in the first phase. UMT leads the kelulut honey project, UTHM is implementing hydroponic initiatives, while UiTM and UniMAP are focusing on mushroom cultivation. 'These projects provide direct benefits to camp communities and bring university research closer to the people. They are also aimed at improving household incomes,' she said. Dr Zuha explained that UMT offers workshops covering basic beekeeping, downstream product development, and bee trap making. She said kelulut bees are reared in wooden boxes and can produce about one kilogramme of honey each month. 'At Kabota Camp, 60 hives are managed by 20 Bakat participants. The market price for a kilogramme of pure kelulut honey is over RM500,' she added.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Gov't allocates RM10m for MADANI programme in military camps
TAWAU: The government has allocated RM10 million this year to implement the MADANI Camp Programme in military camps nationwide, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the ministry had proposed the initiative to ensure military personnel and their families also benefit from a programme similar in spirit to the MADANI Economic Programme. As an example, Kabota Camp here has been identified for a stingless bee honey (kelulut) project aimed at generating income for members of the 7 RAMD Armed Forces Welfare Body (Bakat) and their spouses. 'We decided to bring the MADANI Economic Programme into military camps, as communities outside are already enjoying its economic benefits. 'Boustead Plantation Berhad, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), is also involved,' he said during a visit to the kelulut honey project site and the new military family housing (RKAT) construction area at Kabota Camp, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Mohamed Khaled added that the ministry has also received support from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to implement other projects, including fertigation and mushroom cultivation. 'Each camp can choose its own focus based on local interest. For example, the kelulut honey project at Kabota Camp is carried out in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which has expertise in this field,' he said. He noted that such projects not only help generate additional income but also contribute to the national economy if expanded. Meanwhile, MADANI Camp participant Staff Sergeant Muhammad Zamzuri Zulkefli expressed his gratitude for being selected for the kelulut honey project, which has helped increase his family's income. 'We received training from UMT experts on how to care for the bees. 'This project follows the 3T concept - ternak (rear), tinggal (stay), and tuai (harvest). It's easy to manage, and my wife, who's a homemaker, can look after it in her free time,' he said. UMT Knowledge Transfer Centre director, Dr Zuha Rosufila Abu Hasan, said the programme is a collaboration between the Defence and Higher Education ministries, involving four universities in the first phase. UMT leads the kelulut honey project, UTHM is implementing hydroponic initiatives, while UiTM and UniMAP are focusing on mushroom cultivation. 'These projects provide direct benefits to camp communities and bring university research closer to the people. They are also aimed at improving household incomes,' she said. Dr Zuha explained that UMT offers workshops covering basic beekeeping, downstream product development, and bee trap making. She said kelulut bees are reared in wooden boxes and can produce about one kilogramme of honey each month. 'At Kabota Camp, 60 hives are managed by 20 Bakat participants. The market price for a kilogramme of pure kelulut honey is over RM500,' she added.
Barnama
04-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Gov't Allocates RM10 Million For Madani Programme In Military Camps
TAWAU, May 4 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM10 million this year to implement the MADANI Camp Programme in military camps nationwide, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the ministry had proposed the initiative to ensure military personnel and their families also benefit from a programme similar in spirit to the MADANI Economic Programme. As an example, Kabota Camp here has been identified for a stingless bee honey (kelulut) project aimed at generating income for members of the 7 RAMD Armed Forces Welfare Body (Bakat) and their spouses. 'We decided to bring the MADANI Economic Programme into military camps, as communities outside are already enjoying its economic benefits. 'Boustead Plantation Berhad, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), is also involved,' he said during a visit to the kelulut honey project site and the new military family housing (RKAT) construction area at Kabota Camp, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Mohamed Khaled added that the ministry has also received support from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to implement other projects, including fertigation and mushroom cultivation. 'Each camp can choose its own focus based on local interest. For example, the kelulut honey project at Kabota Camp is carried out in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which has expertise in this field,' he said. He noted that such projects not only help generate additional income but also contribute to the national economy if expanded. Meanwhile, MADANI Camp participant Staff Sergeant Muhammad Zamzuri Zulkefli expressed his gratitude for being selected for the kelulut honey project, which has helped increase his family's income.
