PM Anwar Launches RM2 Billion Mildef Armoured Vehicle Facility in Negeri Sembilan

SEREMBAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officiated the opening of Mildef International Technologies Sdn Bhd’s new armored vehicle manufacturing facility in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, the nation’s first dedicated plant of its kind.

With an investment value of RM2 billion, the state-of-the-art facility is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2026. Once completed, it will significantly boost local production capacity and strengthen Malaysia’s defense industry.

Anwar said the initiative aligned with the Defence White Paper (Kertas Putih Pertahanan, KPP) and would help reduce reliance on costly foreign military procurement.

“The government must invest heavily in defense preparedness, but we cannot depend solely on imports. We need more active efforts to build internal capabilities through research, development, and production by local companies, supported by the Ministry of Defence and universities,” he said at the ceremony.

He noted that while local firms may not cover all areas of defense technology, there are specific segments where Malaysia can excel, such as Mildef’s expertise in armored vehicle production.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, and Mildef Managing Director Datuk Seri Mohd Nizam Kasa were also present.

In his remarks, Mohd Nizam highlighted Mildef’s growth from a small Kajang-based firm 20 years ago to a national leader in armored vehicle development. The company currently employs 150 skilled local workers and has the capacity to produce at least 80 units annually, including the High Mobility Armoured Vehicle (HMAV 4×4) Tarantula and Malaysia’s first High Mobility Light Tactical Vehicle (HMLTV), the Ribat.

“The establishment of this factory is a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign technology. We are confident this facility will enable Malaysia to transition from being an importer to a developer and manufacturer of local defense solutions,” Mohd Nizam said.

He added that current global geopolitical uncertainties present opportunities for Mildef to expand its export markets, targeting ASEAN, Europe, and the Middle East, while contributing to Malaysia’s economic growth.