KUALA LUMPUR, October 28, 2026 — Malaysia has called on ASEAN member states to strengthen regional cooperation and improve their ability to respond to disasters and other emergencies.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said countries in the region must work together to address increasingly complex threats. He stressed that no country, regardless of its resources, could manage every challenge alone.
He made the remarks at the opening of the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Cebu, the Philippines.
ASEAN Urged to Improve Disaster Preparedness
Mohamed Khaled said threats such as natural disasters are becoming more frequent and difficult to manage. He urged ASEAN countries to take a more coordinated approach to preparing for and responding to emergencies.
He said governments should strengthen local communities so they can better prepare for disasters, withstand their effects and recover more quickly.
He also highlighted the need to build stronger regional capabilities. This would help countries respond more effectively when emergencies occur.
Regional Cooperation Already in Place
Malaysia’s proposal builds on existing ASEAN cooperation, including the ASEAN Militaries Ready Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
The mechanism helps member states coordinate military assistance and deploy resources to areas affected by disasters.
Mohamed Khaled pointed to ASEAN’s response to last year’s earthquake in Myanmar as an example of regional cooperation in action.
He said ASEAN should build on these efforts by improving operational readiness and coordination. This would allow armed forces to respond more quickly when disaster strikes.
Defence Cooperation Must Address New Threats
The minister said ASEAN also faces growing strategic competition, uncertainty and rapidly changing security threats.
He called for stronger cooperation, continued investment in capabilities and better coordination among member states.
He added that regional peace and stability should not be taken for granted. Building trust and managing differences constructively remain important to ASEAN’s long-term security.
Mohamed Khaled reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and supporting a safer, more resilient regional community.
Source: Bernama | Rewritten By Minutesmy
Picture Credit: The Star
