Defence deals worth RM8.1bil to be inked

KUALA LUMPUR: Contracts worth about RM8.1bil are targeted to be signed via memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and contracts during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia exhibition.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said several contracts worth RM6bil are expected to be signed by the ministry during the exhibition, which will be held from today until Thursday.

“We have identified several contracts and MOU signings worth about RM6bil,” he told a press conference after a walkabout at the exhibition hall to monitor preparations, along with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, yesterday.

Meanwhile, for the Home Ministry, Saifuddin Nasution said it had earmarked 14 contracts and MOU signings worth RM2.1bil during the exhibition.

On the exhibition, Mohamed Khaled said 1,324 companies from 60 countries will be taking part.

“At the same time, 34 countries will have their own exhibition pavilions. The exhibition space has been increased to 48,000sqm to accommodate all exhibitors.

“We will also be expecting visits by foreign delegations of VIPs and VVIPs from several countries such as Brunei, Zimbabwe, Thailand, UAE and Qatar,” he said, adding that Singapore will be taking part in the exhibition for the first time.

“Our target is to be an attraction for the region’s defence and security sectors.

“We are always looking to improve the quality of the exhibition so that its prestige could be recognised globally,” he said.

All geared up: Saifuddin Nasution (second from left) and Mohamed Khaled inspecting preparations for the DSA and NatSec Asia 2024 exhibition at Mitec.

Mohamed Khaled said among the highlights of the exhibition are two seminars.

“One is on enhancing national security through good governance and credible partnership while the other will be on non-traditional threats and emerging technologies,” he said.

For the Home Ministry, Saifuddin Nasution said the focus will be on cybersecurity.

“One of the highlights will be a town hall session on cybersecurity. It is a global matter.

“Thus, it is an appropriate topic for us to focus on,” he said.