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Kota Kinabalu: A RM188 million housing project at Lok Kawi camp, Putatan, is on track for completion by August, delivering 513 new homes to enhance living conditions for Armed Forces personnel and their families in Sabah.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, during a working visit to the Fifth Infantry Division Headquarters in Putatan, Wednesday, praised the progress of the project, which began on Feb. 22, 2022 (pic).

The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Defence’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of Armed Forces personnel while ensuring their readiness to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

“This project is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that our military personnel and their families have access to proper housing, enabling them to focus on their crucial role in defending the nation,” Mohamed Khaled told a press conference.

The Ministry has allocated RM11.3 million for the maintenance and renovation of facilities across the Fifth Infantry Division.

This includes upgrades to facilities at Kem Brooke, Kem Paradise, Kem Penampang, and Kem Sri Kinabatangan. At Kem Lokawi alone, RM3.2 million was used in 2024 to upgrade housing units, with an additional RM2.9 million set aside for similar works this year.

The Minister emphasised that the welfare of all Armed Forces personnel, including those stationed in Sabah, remains a top priority.

“We will continue to ensure that every member of the Armed Forces is well cared for.

Their welfare is integral to their ability to perform their duties responsibly and effectively, particularly in strategically important regions like Sabah,” he said.

During the visit, Mohamed Khaled handed out RM500 one-off welfare contributions to 20 Armed Forces personnel suffering from chronic illnesses, to alleviate the burdens faced by service members and their families, especially those dealing with health challenges.

He reviewed other significant projects in Sabah, including the construction of new facilities at Kem Lahad Datu and Kem Kota Belud. These developments are part of the government’s efforts to enhance defence infrastructure across the state and ensure readiness in key strategic areas.

Accompanying the Minister were Eastern Field Commander Lieutenant General Datuk Mohd Sofi Md Lepi, senior Armed Forces officers, and officials from the Ministry of Defence.