KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian government has earmarked RM19 billion for the Home Ministry (KDN) in Budget 2024, focusing on bolstering national security and ensuring the welfare of ministry personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this allocation is crucial for the KDN’s diverse roles in managing departments and agencies responsible for public safety and border controls. He highlighted this during his appearance on RTM’s Naratif Khas programme titled ‘Post Budget 2024: Strengthening Unity and National Security’.
The KDN operates under 51 parliamentary Acts and focuses on seven main areas, including enhancing security and public order, managing detainees, controlling borders and maritime entry, handling foreign national affairs, drug rehabilitation and prevention, empowering communities, and promoting the welfare of industries and ministry personnel.
Saifuddin Nasution detailed the extensive reach of the ministry, which includes approximately 120,000 police personnel, 15,000 staff in the immigration department, and around 60,000 members of the People’s Volunteer Corps, among others. The RM19 billion allocation is set to facilitate improvements across various aspects, particularly in personnel welfare.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an increase in the KDN’s budget to RM19 billion during the tabling of the Malaysia MADANI Budget 2024 on October 13, marking a RM500 million rise from the previous year.
The minister emphasized that the funds would significantly enhance land and maritime border controls to combat illegal activities. He pointed out the vastness of Malaysia’s borders, with about 4,000 kilometers of land borders and approximately 590,000 square kilometers of sea borders. Issues like cigarette smuggling, illegal fishing, and other crimes prevalent in these areas result in an estimated annual loss of around RM5 billion.
Saifuddin Nasution stressed the importance of efficient land and sea security measures, citing them as a primary rationale for the increased allocation to the KDN.