THE Ministry of Defence has clarified that it is not involved in any process to establish an AW149 helicopter assembly plant in Melaka, stating that the proposal is entirely driven by private-sector arrangements linked to the state government.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari told the Dewan Rakyat today that the project, which has been proposed for the Melaka International Airport (LTAM) in Batu Berendam, stems from a trilateral discussion between the Melaka state government, Italian helicopter manufacturer Leonardo and Weststar Aviation Sdn Bhd.
“It is a continuation of the three-way discussions between the Melaka state government, helicopter manufacturer Leonardo and Weststar Aviation Sdn Bhd. It is in line with the Concession Agreement on Leasing 28 Helicopters for Government Agencies, under which the company is responsible for developing the assembly plant,” he said.
He was responding to Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN–Permatang Pauh), who had asked whether the ministry intended to review the ownership of the proposed AW149 facility. Muhammad Fawwaz had also queried whether the ministry plans to move towards becoming a producer of military vehicles.
Addressing broader defence-industrial ambitions, Adly said the government has pursued a defence self-reliance policy since the 1990s to strengthen local industrial capabilities and build sustainable indigenous capacity. He noted that this priority is embedded in the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), aligned with the Defence White Paper (KPP).
“In this regard, several key initiatives have been implemented, including the production of vehicles for the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) such as the AV4 Lipan Bara and the AV8 Gempita 8×8 by DEFTECH,” he said.
“This was followed by the development of the Tarantula HMAV 4×4 by Mildef International Technologies. In addition, Cendana Auto has also produced light tactical vehicles and various types of armoured vehicles with export potential,” he added.
Adly also revealed that the Defence Ministry is planning to procure 136 Tarantula High Mobility Armoured Vehicles (HMAV) from Mildef, based on the operational requirements of the Malaysian Army, particularly the Royal Armoured Corps (KAD).
“This procurement aims to enhance the capability and readiness of the Malaysian Army in the future,” he said, in response to a question from Datuk Sri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN–Tanah Merah), who sought clarification on whether the Army intended to retire 20 Lipan Bara vehicles from Thailand in light of the new 4×4 acquisitions.
Adly confirmed that no such retirement is being considered. The Lipan Bara fleet remains in active service, with 14 vehicles operated by the 5th Royal Armoured Corps in Kota Belud, Sabah, and another six assigned to the Armoured Training Centre (PULAMOR) in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. - December 1, 2025
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