Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has sparked online discussion after he was seen riding a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type-90 main battle tank during a visit to a military training facility in Japan.
Photos and videos circulating on social media show Khairy wearing military-style gear and a helmet while aboard the 50.2-tonne tank, which is manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore gun.
The Type-90 is one of Japan’s primary main battle tanks and is approximately 5.1 tonnes heavier than the PT-91M Pendekar used by the Malaysian Army.
Khairy’s appearance has attracted attention among defence observers, particularly as Japan has recently eased its long-standing restrictions on defence exports, allowing it to expand military equipment sales to friendly countries in Southeast Asia.
It remains unclear whether Khairy was participating in a documentary, a media feature or engaging in activities related to the defence industry.
Neither Khairy nor the relevant authorities have issued an official statement regarding the visit.
