KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry and the armed forces gave their assurance that the 2025 Budget allocated for them is used transparently, prudently and with integrity for the safety, sovereignty and prosperity of the nation.
In a statement, the ministry said it received a RM21.13 billion allocation for 2025, which is a 7.08 per cent increase compared with the 2024 allocation of RM19.7 billion.
Out of this, the ministry said RM13.64 billion was set aside for operating expenditure and RM7.49 billion was for development expenditure.
"We express our gratitude to the prime minister for the budget announcement yesterday and warmly welcome this third Madani Budget.
"The ministry will further refine its initiatives in line with the focus of the 2025 Budget to ensure the highest levels of wellbeing for defence personnel, enhance military readiness, strengthen national border security, boost international defence relations and foster patriotism as the country's best line of defence.
"The budget will inspire and motivate defence personnel to continuously enhance readiness for the sovereignty of Malaysia," it said.
The budget prioritises the wellbeing of defence personnel, including the maintenance of schools in military camps under the Mainstream Education Initiative to provide safe and comfortable learning environments for their children.
Internet connectivity in military camps will be improved through funds from the Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission.
The budget also supports the construction, maintenance, and refurbishment of Armed Forces Family Homes (RKAT) and strengthens social protection via the Ex-Gratia Work Disaster Scheme.
Further measures include jobs for veterans through the Protege–MAF Veterans Programme, phased pension adjustments for armed forces retirees, and an increase in the Cost of Living Assistance to RM500 per month.
The budget also announced the Special Gratitude Payment for pensioners and the Community Rangers programme expanded.
For military readiness, RM5.8 billion is allocated for asset maintenance and procurement, with two new border posts to be built in Bantul and Serudung, Sabah.
It will also use drones and artificial intelligence technology to enhance surveillance and readiness.
Under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship, the budget strengthens international defence cooperation on key issues like the South China Sea and Myanmar, while promoting regional economic ties through the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council+China Summit.
It supports the growth of the defence industry through technology transfers and recognises Malaysian Battalion personnel for their United Nations-recognised contributions in Lebanon.
The budget also allocates RM50 million for the National Service 3.0 programme, which will promote patriotism as a key defence pillar.