Malaysian Armed Forces plans special-needs child centres at major military camps

Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman said the planned centres would allow personnel caring for children with special needs to focus fully on their duties. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 18 Sep 2026 11:36 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) aims to establish at least one Community Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK) at major camps to care for children with special needs.

Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman said the move is part of MAF's efforts to support its personnel, particularly those caring for special needs children.

“The welfare of MAF personnel and their families remains a priority, managed with a sense of humanity, to ensure that those serving in the field or at the borders do not worry about the safety of their families at home.

“We are aiming to open at least one PPDK at every major camp to help care for children with special needs,” he said in a special interview for the 93rd MAF Day celebration here.

He said the centres would give affected personnel peace of mind, allowing them to fully focus on their duties.

Meanwhile, Malek Razak said MAF is carrying out 898 maintenance projects involving 15,024 units of Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) to ensure comfortable living conditions for security force personnel.

The projects, funded under a P60 allocation that began in April and due for completion by December, cover an additional 301 accommodation blocks and 989 related infrastructure works.

This includes *Projek Cakna Madani*, which involves maintaining 2,097 selected RKAT units, with progress monitored to ensure compliance with quality, cost and completion timelines.

He said the socio-economic standing of soldiers' wives is also being enhanced through the Armed Forces Welfare Body (BAKAT), via income-generating initiatives such as mushroom cultivation and vegetable farming.

Upgrading infrastructure at older camps remains a priority, he said, such as maintenance of technical buildings, offices, as well as hostel and dining hall facilities to create a comfortable working environment.

“All these welfare plans are carried out on the principle that no MAF personnel fights alone and no family is left without support,” he said.

MAF celebrated its 93rd anniversary on Tuesday, with the theme *“Ketahanan ATM, Benteng Pertahanan Negara”* (MAF Resilience, Bastion of National Defence). — Bernama