Kuala lumpur: Military exercises by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will be carried out in close coordination with state governments and relevant agencies to ensure they are conducted in an orderly, safe, and responsible manner, in line with national security interests and public well-being.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the National Security Council (MKN) under the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) stated that the MKN meeting on May 25 supported MAF's commitment to ensuring all military activities are implemented professionally, systematically, and responsibly. The council emphasized that all exercises and operations must comply with established guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and directives issued by relevant authorities, including safety and environmental conservation requirements.
The MKN highlighted that the implementation of military exercises is subject to strict approval procedures and coordination with relevant ministries and agencies. For both gazetted and non-gazetted training areas, all applications must undergo approval and verification processes involving relevant authorities, including the State Security Working Committee (JKKN) chaired by the Menteri Besar or Chief Minister, as well as technical agencies. Applications must also be submitted within the stipulated timeframe before any exercise is conducted to ensure that safety aspects, procedural compliance, and local sensitivities are properly addressed before landowners are informed. SOPs related to military exercises would continue to be enhanced from time to time.
Post-exercise evaluations will also be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the activities, identify any impact caused, and determine responsibility for repair works involving any damage. The MKN meeting considered defence preparedness as a key element in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, security, and strategic interests. It also stressed the importance of balancing defence operational requirements with local sensitivities through continuous engagement and coordination with all stakeholders.
On May 24, MAF Headquarters stated that it respected and would comply with the decree of the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, regarding military activities in the state. The MAF Headquarters reiterated its commitment to ensuring all exercises and operations are conducted in a planned, professional, and responsible manner. Earlier media reports indicated that Tengku Hassanal had voiced concerns over military exercises in island areas in Pahang that could potentially affect the ecosystem. He also directed that MAF obtain the consent of the Sultan of Pahang before conducting any military exercise.