KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry will be allocated a sum of RM15.1 billion Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced in the tabling of 2017 Budget today.
Of the amount, RM1.8 billion is for defence asset maintenance. He said armed Forces would be equipped with patrol vessels and armoured vehicles.
“A sum of RM1.3 billion is allocated, among others, for communication devices, rations and uniforms while a sum of RM323 million is allocated to enhance effectiveness of ESSZONE operations.
“A Sea Basing at the East Coast of Sabah waters and Helicopter Forward Operating Base will be created, while the armed forces will also build and upgrade roads under the Jiwa Murni Programme with an allocation of RM114 million in the interior of Sarawak,” he said, adding that Armed Forces School Ferry services would be continued.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces veterans who suffered disability of up to 80 per cent in the course of their service will be provided with a Special Insurgency Incentive.
This is in addition to the Disability Pension that they are receiving.
The government has set aside RM55 million for this.