Budget 2027: MINDEF Sets Five Key Areas For Transparent Management Of RM22.11 Bln
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has outlined five key focus areas to ensure the RM22.11 billion allocated under Budget 2027 is managed transparently, prudently and effectively.
The five areas cover defence readiness and capabilities; the well-being of military personnel and their families; the welfare of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans; human capital development and patriotism; and research and the defence industry ecosystem.
In a statement today, Mindef said the allocation was about 1.66 per cent higher than in 2026, comprising RM14.52 billion for operating expenditure and RM7.59 billion for development expenditure.
“To strengthen national defence capabilities, RM5.35 billion has been allocated for equipment development across all three branches of the MAF, alongside funding for operations, including RM133.45 million for operations in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE).
“For the welfare of military personnel and their families, RM957.30 million has been allocated for MAF housing, RM30 million for furniture replacement in Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) units, while the allocation for the ‘Head To Toe’ programme has been increased to RM280 million,” the statement said.
Regarding veterans’ welfare, RM304 million has been allocated for the operations of the MAF Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV ATM), while the minimum monthly pension for eligible veterans has been increased from RM1,000 to RM1,350.
Mindef said it would also focus on human capital development by providing skills training for personnel nearing the end of their service, in collaboration with institutions such as the Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology and the Malaysian Maritime Academy, to prepare them for a second career.
“A total of RM279.85 million has been allocated for the operating and development expenditure of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) to foster discipline, national identity and patriotism,” the statement added.
To strengthen the defence industry ecosystem, the ministry said RM65.03 million has been allocated for defence research and development, while RM30 million has been set aside to organise the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2027 (LIMA 2027).
Mindef said that it remained committed to maintaining defence readiness and safeguarding national sovereignty, while continuing to prioritise the welfare of MAF personnel, their families and veterans.
--BERNAMA