The Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has expressed his disappointment over the quality of military equipment used by the Special Forces Regiment as they were not only of poor quality, but also did not meet the specifications.

The sultan, who is the Special Forces colonel-in-chief, was also upset as calls for the equipment used by the regiment to be upgraded fell on deaf ears as if the regiment was being discriminated.

"I really value the life of Special Forces members as they are well-trained human capital. But if they are equipped with low quality equipment and those that do not meet the specifications, then their chances of getting killed is high.

"If this issue persists where the equipment does not meet the Special Forces' requirement while the prices are unreasonable, it is better that I take over the procurement exercise," he said when officiating the 47th anniversary of the Special Forces Regiment ceremony at Iskandar Camp in Mersing today.

Present were Deputy Defence Minister Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad and Army chief Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.

Sultan Ibrahim said although the government was frugal in its budget, the Defence Ministry should scrutinise every procurement made to ensure that the quality of equipment acquired meet the needs and of the highest quality.

He urged those involved not to take advantage of the armed forces' effort to supply the regiment with the latest equipment.

The sultan said he wanted to know every single measure of development being planned for the regiment as he keep tabs on its progress.

"Iskandar Camp is a must visit place for me whenever I visit Mersing," he added.

- Bernama