Prime Minister states that leasing helicopters enhances transparency and eliminates maintenance expenses

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claims that leasing helicopters is a more open procedure that spares money on maintenance expenses.

The prime minister stated that governments conducted leasing discussions directly, without the need for middlemen.

Leasing avoids the expense of maintenance, a major issue that costs billions of ringgit annually.

According to Anwar, who is also the finance minister, “That is why I agreed to continue the leasing process, but we have also expanded it” at Thursday’s (November 27) Prime Minister’s Question Time.

According to Anwar, the helicopter must be at least 85% functioning and ready at the end of the lease.

Anwar claims that countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines also use the leasing model due to the upkeep, overhaul, and repair of components.

According to him, Malaysia has also imposed an additional requirement on the business sector, which is to collaborate with educational establishments like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Armed Forces to ensure the nation’s readiness as a hub.

“For Malaysia, it might be in Melaka because it’s close to Batu Berendam Airport, which we have decided will serve as a training facility,” he stated.

The Prime Minister has instructed the corporation to comply with all requirements set forth by relevant Malaysian agencies regarding the helicopters.

Although our strategy may not sit well with everyone, he said, “We are doing this on a government-to-government basis with no commissions or agents.”

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin recently announced plans to lease 28 helicopters to the Armed Forces and other safety organizations for RM16.5 billion over 15 years.