THERE are no Covid-19 cases in the armed forces, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today that the army has set up a committee to handle the outbreak, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

“No positive cases of Covid-19 so far involving armed forces personnel. The army has established a committee to manage and handle the virus.”

He added that the probe into the non-delivery of six helicopters to the military will continue.

“It will be continued. There is no issue, and in fact, this matter was brought up in Parliament. The views from both sides will be taken into consideration.”

Last June, the Defence Ministry lodged a formal complaint with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission seeking an investigation into the non-delivery of the aircraft worth RM300 million that were ordered in 2015.

Quoting ministry sources, Bernama said the McDonnell Douglas MD530G lightweight combat helicopters were to be handed to Malaysia in two phases – two in July 2017 and the remaining four in December 2018.

Ismail Sabri said he is satisfied with the military’s level of preparedness.

“Today is my first meeting as the minister, and I was briefed on the situation and our armed forces’ readiness for any scenario.

“I am satisfied with the explanation, as well as our readiness.”

The Bera MP replaces Mohamad Sabu as defence minister following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government two weeks ago. – March 13, 2020.