THE government will strengthen its surveillance capabilities in the South China Sea by installing a radar system on Layang-Layang Island as part of broader efforts to reinforce the country's defence posture in one of the region's most strategically sensitive maritime areas.
Defence Minister (MINDEF) Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the radar installation would complement measures already taken to bolster Malaysia's military presence on the island, enabling more effective monitoring of activities in the surrounding waters.
He said the move was necessary in light of ongoing security challenges arising from overlapping territorial claims by several countries in the South China Sea.
On security threats, Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia had already strengthened its position on Layang-Layang Island and would further enhance its monitoring capabilities through the installation of a radar system.
"From the security threat perspective, as we are aware, we have strengthened our position on Layang-Layang Island. We will also install a radar system in the area so that we have stronger surveillance capabilities," he said.
Khaled made the remarks after launching the Barisan Nasional election machinery for the Johol state constituency.
Commenting on Wisma Putra's decision to issue a diplomatic note to a neighbouring country over its recent claim involving Malaysian territory, the Defence Minister said such action was necessary to reaffirm Malaysia's position and protect its sovereignty.
He said the South China Sea remained an area of overlapping territorial claims involving several countries, including China, Vietnam and the Philippines, making it important for Malaysia to respond to any claims challenging its sovereign rights.
"Such protests must be made to show that we continue to defend the country's position and will not allow any statement or claim to pass without expressing our stance.
"We also receive protests from countries that have overlapping claims over areas that we consider to belong to Malaysia. This is something that must be done, especially when the country concerned recently announced that its maritime territory includes several islands that belong to us," he said.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia had submitted a diplomatic note to a neighbouring country following its claim that parts of Malaysian territory belonged to that nation, underscoring Putrajaya's determination to defend its sovereign rights through diplomatic channels. - July 20, 2026
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