JASIN, 18 Oct 2025 — The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is taking a bold step towards strengthening national resilience by promoting the concept of Comprehensive Defence (HANRUH) through a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) approach at the Melaka MADANI Rakyat 2025 Programme (PMR) held in Merlimau.

Mindef’s Secretary-General, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, said the initiative underscores that national security is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces or security agencies, but a shared commitment involving the community, organisations, and private sector.

“Through the 2025 Melaka PMR, we want to send a clear message that Malaysia’s security and sovereignty depend on everyone — not just the military. This is the essence of Comprehensive Defence,” he told Bernama.

A National Effort Towards Resilient Defence

Held at Merlimau Polytechnic, Jasin, the three-day programme carries the theme ‘Aspirasi MADANI: Menjamin Pertahanan dan Kedaulatan Negara’ (MADANI Aspirations: Safeguarding National Defence and Sovereignty).

Organised by the Performance Advancement Coordination Unit (PACU) under the Prime Minister’s Office, the event sees strategic collaboration from Mindef and the Melaka State Government, bringing together ministries, agencies, and community partners under one platform.

Visitors can explore a wide range of interactive exhibits and defence showcases, featuring military assets from all three branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) — land, sea, and air.

Empowering Communities Through Engagement

According to Lokman Hakim, more than 150 community-centred programmes are being held throughout the event, including the Rahmah Sales and Agro MADANI Sales initiatives aimed at helping Malaysians cope with the rising cost of living.

Visitors can also enjoy special benefits such as:

Up to 50% discounts on summonses from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Road Transport Department (JPJ)

Free helmet exchange for over 3,500 participants

Career carnival opportunities for graduates to connect with government and private sector employers

He added that the Malaysian Armed Forces are also highlighting diverse career pathways available within Mindef — from medical and dental officers to engineers, pilots, and culinary professionals — to attract more youth participation in defence services.

Strengthening Civil-Military Bonds

Mindef is also running five Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes during the event, working directly with communities in Melaka and across the nation.

Lokman Hakim revealed that the ministry has received an increased CSR budget of RM20 million this year, double the allocation from the previous year, to expand outreach and community support initiatives nationwide.

In addition, Mindef was granted an extra RM600 million in Budget 2026, reflecting the government’s trust and confidence in the ministry’s role to safeguard Malaysia’s sovereignty and security.

Celebrating Unity Through Defence

The Melaka MADANI Rakyat 2025 programme runs from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, providing a vibrant, family-friendly platform for Malaysians to interact directly with ministries, explore digital initiatives, and experience the strength of unity through defence.

This initiative marks another milestone in Mindef’s commitment to the Whole-of-Nation Defence approach, empowering Malaysians to play an active role in protecting the nation’s peace, prosperity, and independence.