The Malaysia Defence Industry Council (MDIC), formed in 1999, is tasked with coordinating the orderly development of the Malaysia Defence Industry Sector. It is chaired by the Malaysian Minister of Defence, and involves 56 members from the private sector as well as from the Government.[1] It functions to not only support the local development sector, but to market it to overseas buyers and help companies access foreign markets. It also aims to build relationships with other defence industries.[2]
To try and further enhance the local defence industry, the Malaysian Government has decided to broaden the goals of the council. It has been re-named the Malaysian Industry Council for Defence, Enforcement and Security (MIDES), in line with its new functions.[3]