MINDEF Allocates RM10 Mln To Expand MAF Ekonomi MADANI Programme

KLUANG, May 12 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is expanding the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Ekonomi MADANI Programme with an allocation of RM10 million this year to implement 156 community economic projects in 90 military camps nationwide.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said 2,235 members of the Armed Forces Family Welfare Association (BAKAT) are expected to participate in the projects by the end of the year.

He said the programme, introduced last year, was implemented in 60 military camps with a RM10 million allocation, involving 96 projects, 1,265 BAKAT members and collaboration with 20 public universities.

The initiative aims to strengthen the economic resilience of armed forces personnel and their families by equipping them with skills and income-generating opportunities to better cope with rising living costs.

"This is to ensure that when they face economic challenges or higher living costs, they are better able to manage them," he told reporters after launching the programme at Kem Batu 3 here today.

Also present was Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, who is also acting Chief of Defence Forces.

Mohamed Khaled said projects implemented under the programme include stingless bee honey production, oyster mushroom cultivation, urban mushroom farming, Bentong ginger cultivation, smart zero-carbon hydroponics, vegetable fertigation, aquaponics and retort food products.

He said the programme is a strategic MINDEF initiative to enhance the well-being of armed forces personnel, in line with the ministry's Sixth Focus for 2026 and the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030.

He added that some of the products generated under the projects would be purchased by a Boustead Group-linked company, providing a guaranteed market and helping to ensure the programme's long-term sustainability.

-- BERNAMA