Kuala lumpur: The development of the local defence industry must continue to be strengthened to reduce the country's dependence on imports while enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He emphasized the potential of local companies to meet the country's ammunition requirements, including those of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled shared this perspective on his official social media after visiting the KETECH Asia Sdn Bhd factory in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. He noted that the company currently manufactures 5.56-millimetre (mm) and 9mm ammunition meeting global standards based on NATO specifications.

During the visit, Mohamed Khaled was briefed on KETECH Asia's development roadmap, which includes plans for producing 7.62mm and 12.7mm ammunition, developing propellants, and manufacturing heavy artillery. He highlighted the importance of intensifying efforts to develop local components, ensuring that the entire defence industry supply chain could be established domestically.

He further stressed the need for strategic collaboration with higher education institutions in research and development (RandD) to support the growth of more competitive and self-reliant local defence technology. This initiative aligns with the government's and the Defence Ministry's objectives under the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), aimed at strengthening the local defence industry, meeting strategic requirements, and positioning Malaysia as part of the global defence industry supply chain.