Malaysia's Defence Ministry pushes for larger 2027 budget to boost military readiness
The Defence Ministry urged that the 2027 budget allocate sufficient funds to strengthen armed forces readiness and protect national sovereignty.
At the Siber Siaga 2026 press event in Kuala Lumpur, the Defence Ministry appealed for the upcoming 2027 budget to contain adequate funding to improve the armed forces' readiness and safeguard Malaysia's sovereignty amid a shifting geopolitical environment. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier affirmed the government's commitment to continue raising defence allocations, highlighting a more than 35% increase over the past three years.
He specified that future spending would cover servicemen's housing, the construction of new military hospitals and the maintenance of essential infrastructure such as water supplies. As both Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Anwar said the fiscal space for these increases stems from an improving economic outlook, a stronger ringgit, rising foreign investment and stable inflation. The ministry hopes the prime minister will weigh these priorities when the budget is presented on Friday.
Why it matters
Increased defence funding will shape Malaysia's ability to protect its territory and support military personnel.
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