KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 -- Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu announced today that his ministry is currently in talks to barter national products, including Malaysia's palm oil, in exchange for defence assets.

In an interview with several media agencies here, the minister also known as Mat Sabu said this barter trade with Pakistan, Russia, or China could help reduce Putrajaya's financial burden.

The minister said he will be leaving for Russia tomorrow for a bilateral meeting with the Russian defence minister, and barter trade would be among the issues discussed, adding that if successful, the move could potentially increase the price of palm oil.

"This is being negotiated, including with Pakistan, with Russia, with China and all, and tomorro...