KUALA LUMPUR: Regional security will be further enhanced with the handover of RM12.36mil worth of security assistance from Japan to Malaysia, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the Malaysian Armed Forces will receive a total of 14 vertical takeoff and landing UAVs and seven rescue boats from Japan.
“Malaysia and Japan both share the conviction that a stable South-East Asia benefits not only our citizens but also the global community.
“Together, our cooperation spans many times across security, humanitarian assistance, cyber resilience and climate security.
“Under the OSA (Official Security Assistance) 2023, Malaysia is very honoured to be among the first beneficiaries, alongside the Philippines, Bangladesh and Fiji,” he said in his speech at the UAV handover ceremony with Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki at Kompleks Haigate yesterday.
Also present were Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and other senior officers from the Defence Ministry and armed forces.
Khaled said of the 14 UAVs, six will be given to the army, another six to the navy and the remaining two to the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division.
“Several units have been received while the remainder are on the way.
“In addition, two road leading trucks are currently in the tendering stage and will further complement the assistance package.
“Equally important is the inventory investment in capacity-building.
“I’m delighted to share that in May this year, 12 of the Malaysian Armed Forces officers had completed UAV training in Japan,” he said.
Khaled also said security assistance will continue next year as Japan has already identified Malaysia as a potential recipient under the OSA 2025.
“We will continue to explore new frontiers, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, cyber defence and innovation for sustainable peace and prosperity,” he said.
Khaled said the security assistance was a follow-up from a visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Japan in December 2023, when both countries decided to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Through the OSA, Japan provides non-lethal equipment to Malaysia’s military to enhance its operational capabilities.
Speaking to the media later, Khaled said Japan will determine the kind of assets it will provide to Malaysia for security purposes.
“For example, the Australians would upgrade the Butterworth runway.
“Germany too has enhancement programmes along with some asset handovers.
“With the United States, we used to have radar assistance.
“This is common as everyone understands the importance of the region and the need to meet the challenges,” said Khaled.
During the handover, Noriyuki said that as Malaysia is located in a crucial area for Japan, facing the South China Sea and the Malacca Strait, security cooperation is vital.
“The level of uncertainty remains high and the international situation is very volatile.
“Looking at the Indo-Pacific region, we continue to witness unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, in clear violation of international law, particularly in the East and South China Seas.
“Japan is situated in the most severe and complex security environment,” said Noriyuki.
He said the OSA also protects and promotes Japan’s national interests, as well as to proactively foster a peaceful, stable and highly predictable international environment based on the rule of law.
The UAVs will be utilised for monitoring the coastal area of Malaysia, including the South China Sea and strengthening maritime security capabilities.
