The fleet of Nuri helicopters and Hercules transport aircraft of the RMAF will undergo service-life extension and upgrade work as usual, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
He denied claims from a news report that the upgrade work of the country’s air defence fleet would be deferred as part of the Government’s austerity measures.
The Aviation International News portal reported last week that a number of programmes for the Malaysian armed forces would likely be postponed until the 11th Malaysia Plan, which covers government spending for 2016 to 2020.
It reported that the deferment was due to the current political climate and the Government’s austerity measures.
On DSA 2014, Hishammuddin said he was pleased with the response by exhibitors, who would showcase their products at PWTC from April 14 to April 17.
“So far, about 1,000 local and international firms from 45 countries are participating.
“A total of 27 Country Group Pavilions, including Malaysia, are also expected to participate in the exhibition and the biggest foreign pavilion is Turkey, with the participation of an estimated 50 companies,” he added.
Meanwhile Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, who was also present, said the Government was considering expanding the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) to Sarawak to guarantee security of residents there.
“We do not want any untoward incidents such as last year’s Lahad Datu intrusion to happen in future.
“We view matters on security seriously to ensure history does not repeat itself,” he added. (The Star)