The leasing of 28 helicopters for national security agencies was done in an orderly manner based on necessity, said Defence Minister Khaled Nordin today.

He said he had spelt out the advantages of this approach when winding up the Budget 2025 debate (Policy Stage) and that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also addressed the matter during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 28, 2024.

“However, I will elaborate and respond to this matter again during my ministry’s winding-up session for this debate, scheduled for Feb 20,” he said in a statement.

Yesterday, Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin, while debating the motion of thanks for the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat, demanded an explanation from the government regarding the leasing of 28 helicopters for 15 years under a RM16 billion contract.

Previously, during his winding-up speech on the 2025 Supply Bill, Khaled said the government would lease 28 helicopters under a RM16 billion contract for 15 years.

According to him, the lease arrangement covers several agencies, including the Malaysian Armed Forces, with 12 helicopters allocated to the Royal Malaysian Air Force; seven to the Royal Malaysia Police; two to the Royal Malaysian Navy; two to the Fire and Rescue Department; and four to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

- Bernama

Explain RM16b helicopter rental contract, opposition tells govt

Explain RM16b helicopter rental contract, opposition tells govt