KUALA LUMPUR: The armed forces are ramping up their defence capabilities by integrating advanced technologies to address the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman said they were prioritising using these innovations to boost surveillance, intelligence and operational efficiency, particularly in safeguarding Malaysia's borders and critical infrastructure.
These technologies, he said, include drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems.
"These drones are helpful in terms of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, especially when we conduct operations to safeguard our vast borders.
"If we were to cover every inch of our borders, we would require a large manpower. This technology can assist us in carrying out operations more effectively," he said in an exclusive interview with the New Sunday Times.
Malaysia's coastline spans 4,675km, while its land borders with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei measure 2,742km.
Mohammad said autonomous systems, such as land and maritime vehicles, were also used for intelligence, reconnaissance, mine detection and underwater operations.
"These systems reduce risks to our personnel.
"Robots, too, play a significant role, particularly in the handling of explosives, reducing danger to our troops.
"The Royal Malaysian Navy also relies on drones for real-time information gathering, ensuring precision and timely responses."
On cyber warfare, he said the armed forces had made cyberdefence a priority by establishing the Cyber and Electromagnetic Defence Division, tasked with managing cyber and electromagnetic threats.
"This is a critical step we are taking, ensuring we have a specialised organisation to handle such matters.
"In this regard, we are also working with other agencies, such as National Cyber Security Agency and CyberSecurity Malaysia, to safeguard the interests of government installations and national infrastructure."
He added that cooperation between other government agencies was crucial to ensure challenges were tackled comprehensively and decisively.
He said with Malaysia facing growing threats in the digital arena, the armed forces would continue to upskill its personnel.
"We are upgrading the skills of our personnel by sending them for courses and seminars to keep them updated on cyber threats.
"We also engage with other countries by participating in joint exercises, particularly cyber exercises.
"Through these collaborations, we also build military diplomacy, as no single country can handle these issues on its own.
"We learn from each other, and this is crucial, whether through bilateral or multilateral engagements."