Malaysia's Anwar Cites US-Backed Philippine Balabac Base in Pledge to Reinforce Sabah Defenses

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on August 19, 2026 that the Philippines' expansion of military infrastructure on Balabac Island, southern Palawan — including a new 3-kilometer airstrip and naval facilities funded in part through the US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) — has raised concern in Kuala Lumpur, given the island's proximity (roughly 50km, about 20 minutes by vessel) to Malaysia's Banggi Island in Sabah. Anwar said 'as a neighbouring country closely affected by claims over Sabah, we are somewhat concerned with the tension,' while stressing that bilateral relations with Manila 'remain very good' and that Malaysia lacks the resources to match Balabac's scale. He announced plans to reinforce Sabah's defenses with additional battalions, a new 155mm artillery regiment, coastal radar systems, a Turkish-built Multi-Purpose Command Platform, and ANKA reconnaissance drones. Balabac is one of nine EDCA sites in the Philippines and sits roughly 330km from the center of the Spratly Islands, flanking the Sulu Sea passage.