TAWAU: Armed forces personnel must refrain from uploading sensitive content on social media, particularly those related to security assets, to prevent hostile parties from identifying the nation’s defence capabilities, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).
The Defence Minister said armed forces commanders should issue firm instructions to their personnel to use social media responsibly and avoid compromising national security.
“Sometimes, in their eagerness to showcase training or equipment, personnel may unintentionally reveal where such assets are stored. This could expose our strengths to those with ill intent,” he told reporters after an event here, Bernama reported.
The minister was responding to a reminder issued by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who cautioned military personnel against sharing everything on social media, particularly sensitive information related to troop movements and operations.
His Majesty, when officiating the commissioning parade of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) cadet officers on Saturday, decreed for military personnel to be cautious and refrain from disclosing unnecessary information to the public.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said his ministry will continue to acquire strategic assets annually to strengthen national security.
These are not off-the-shelf purchases, he stressed, but custom orders tailored to the armed forces’ operational needs across land, air and sea to ensure suitability and effective deployment.
“We have already procured 18 FA-50 aircraft from South Korea and three Littoral Mission Ships. The construction of the Littoral Combat Ships are underway, alongside radar purchases to bolster national defence,” he said.
He said the ministry is also in the process of replacing the static Tun Sharifah Rodziah forward operating base with a more modern and mobile base, better suited to current operational demands.
Commenting on ongoing global conflicts, including in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran-Israel and India-Pakistan, Mohamed Khaled said these developments highlight the importance of Malaysia prioritising the acquisition of technology- driven defence assets.
“We are also aware of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, which remain a serious concern.
“The government is committed to ensuring balanced defence preparedness between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,” he added.
