KUALA LUMPUR: The US government has approved approximately US$230mil (RM1bil) of security assistance for Malaysia, says US Army Pacific commanding general Charles Flynn.

       He added that these funds have been allocated from 2018 until now which comprises provision of equipment, education, training and other exchange programmes.

       “To this end, during the financial years of 2018 to 2022, the United States has approved approximately USD230 million - nearly one billion ringgit - in security assistance for Malaysia including the provision of equipment, education, training, and other exchange programs.

       “We are looking forward to this year’s Malaysian - US strategic talks which promise further development of bilateral relationship,” Gen Flynn said in his remarks at the US Pavilion during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition on Monday (March 28).

       In a follow-up press conference, he added that the militaries of different countries in the region have been excited about returning to full-scale military exercises after more Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

       He also said that despite the pandemic for the past two years, the soldiers and army leaders have always found ways to undergo military training and exercises.

       “Everybody is excited about getting the training and exercises and the capabilities that we (can) bring together with adjustments that can be made.

       “Everybody is ‘thirsty’ of getting beyond the protocol of Covid-19 so we can go back pre-Covid-19 type of training, and given the fact it hadn't happened in two years at a scale we usually did, there would be a lot of relearning,” Gen Flynn told the press.

       DSA, a four-day defence industry event, is expected to see around 25,000 visitors from more than 50 different countries.

       The event made its comeback after a hiatus for its 2020 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.