He said RM65 million has been allocated for the construction of a specialist clinic complex and the upgrading of the armed forces hospital at the base.

Also approved were several key infrastructure projects, including the upgrading of the 33kV high-voltage distribution system, with an allocation of RM100 million, the replacement of the Bulk Fuel Installation operational tanks (RM23.3 million), and the upgrading of the operational jetty at the Lumut base (RM66.5 million).

“I urge the state secretary present here to immediately implement the construction of the specialist clinic complex and the upgrading of the Lumut armed forces hospital,” he said at a gathering with navy personnel here today.

Present were communications minister Fahmi Fadzil and navy chief Zulhelmy Ithnain.

Anwar said the government remained attentive to the need to enhance the country’s defence assets. He noted that the defence ministry received one of the largest allocations in the annual budget.

“Defence ranks third (in terms of allocation) after education and health. For 2025 alone, RM21.2 billion has been allocated – a significant amount for a developing nation,” he said.

He said the move reflected the government’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by the security forces and was aimed at ensuring national stability, which is crucial for economic growth.

Anwar said he is often moved when learning of the poor condition of certain security assets used to safeguard the nation.

“That is why after becoming prime minister, I called in all the armed forces chiefs and asked them to outline their priority needs. Based on that, we work to secure sufficient funding to improve our defence machinery and assets,” he said.