KUALA LUMPUR – It is time for the Defence Ministry (Mindef) to outfit the Malaysian armed forces with branded sportswear, such as Nike and Adidas, instead of “cap ayam” brands, said a Bersatu MP.
Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah-PN) told the Dewan Rakyat that the RM140 million allocation is sufficient for Mindef to provide better quality sportswear to the armed forces.
“Singapore’s armed forces are outfitted with New Balance sports attire that is proven to be high quality.
“Perhaps it is time for Mindef to consider doing the same with brands such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, or New Balance, so our armed forces would be equipped with high quality and durable items. Don’t give them ‘cap ayam’ stuff.”
Ikmal said this at the Dewan Rakyat when debating Budget 2024 at the committee level for Mindef today.
He added that he received complaints from armed forces personnel that the shoes and socks they were given were of low quality.
“The sports equipment and attire that they get did not go through intensive inspection in sports labs. I want Mindef to explain. Who is the supplier? It is even better if this can be revealed here (in the Dewan Rakyat).”
Meanwhile, he pointed out the drastic increase in allocation for military housing from RM285.9 million in 2023 to RM917.43 million in 2024, asking how many projects have been completed.
“It involved such a drastic increase, three times more. What is the ministry’s guarantee that this allocation can be fully utilised this year without any changes?”
He later proposed that houses for the armed forces personnel – four-storey flats that were built in the 1970s – be demolished instead of repaired due to their dilapidated condition. – November 23, 2023