NEW MALBATT ASSETS TO SERVE DUAL ROLE IN OVERSEAS AND DOMESTIC MISSIONS - ADLY

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- New MALBATT assets have a dual purpose of supporting peacekeeping abroad and strengthening the Malaysian Armed Forces' (MAF) domestic capabilities, said Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.

He explained that although the MALBATT peacekeeping mission in Lebanon is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026, the procurement of 10 new MALBATT vehicles under the 2026 Budget takes into account the long-term needs of the army.

He emphasised that these newly acquired assets will be optimised for domestic operations as well as for potential future peacekeeping assignments in new locations, depending on the operational requirements and strategic direction of the MAF. 

"Our planning must be clear. Our strategy is to extend peacekeeping missions beyond Lebanon. The new assets are a dual investment: they will be deployed from Malaysia for international duties and will also enhance our domestic military readiness," he said while winding up the debate on the 2026 Supply Bill for the Defence Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

On the potential for missions in places like Gaza, Adly said existing assets could be reallocated to meet operational needs if the government decides to deploy the MAF.

In a separate matter, Adly informed the Dewan Rakyat that the army has received approval for the acquisition of 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) artillery units, on Nov 17. The procurement is currently at the price negotiation stage, after which the paper will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance.

"I believe this process can be finalised by next year, or potentially as early as the end of this year," he said, adding that RM50 million has been allocated for the purpose next year. 

He explained that the Army has conducted operational evaluations on six SPH systems available on the market, which were presented to the Procurement Board before being elevated to the Ministry of Finance for endorsement.

This evaluation process is crucial to ensure the Army acquires a system that genuinely meets its operational and training needs, in addition to selecting a proven, battle-tested asset.

Subsequently, the Dewan Rakyat approved the ministry's allocation of RM21,746,268,300 for operating and development expenditure under the 2026 Budget.

The vote was passed by a majority after being debated by 13 members of parliament. The sitting will resume tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA