Published on: Saturday, January 03, 2009 |
Its Director-General Admiral Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish said they were currently sorting out the problem of getting a suitable site near the airport for this purpose.
"We are urgently looking for at least eight acres to build the airbase in Kota Kinabalu. We have sought the State Government's assistance and, hopefully, would get it fast," he said.
Although priority had been given to Sabah for setting up the airbase, much still depends on availability of land for its construction.
APMM had already started its air unit at Subang airport in the peninsula where it has an aircraft and three officers to serve as the base for air surveillance of waters around the peninsula region.
This year the APMM air unit will expand with another new aircraft and three new helicopters.
"I want to send our aircraft and helicopters here to boost surveillance activities within Sabah and Sarawak maritime regions, but won't be able to do so without an airbase hereÉso we need one soon as possible," Mohd Amdan said.
Once that materialised, two or three APMM helicopters would be based in Sabah for more effective monitoring of Sabah's 50,000-sq km maritime region.
Mohd Amdan was speaking after witnessing the handing-over of duty as APMM Sabah Regional Commander by outgoing Maritime First Admiral Ahmad Puzi Haji Ab Kahar to his successor Maritime Captain Mohd Taha Ibrahim in a ceremony held at Likas Sports Complex.
Mohd Amdan said they would also open up new maritime bases in several areas, including Kudat and Lahad Datu.
"Focus would be given to ensure bases in both areas be built this year," he said, adding they would also build their headquarters and staff housing in the State.
"The APMM Sabah Region operations area is so huge, covering about 50,000 sq km and needs to be continuously monitored and safeguarded from illegal maritime activities including piracy, smuggling, illegal immigration, etc."
To boost capability off Sabah, Mohd Amdan said APMM planned to increase manpower to fulfil 100 per cent of its requirements here by the end of this year.
Presently, the agency has 568 personnel or 68 per cent of its total requirement in Sabah, he said, adding the number is expected to reach 1,000 by the end of this year to include its air and radar units.
APMM Sabah region will also increase its fleet of vessels with two more patrol ships and several fast interceptor crafts this year. Currently it has 15 ships and 10 RHIV-type boats capable of going through shallow areas.
APMM is operating in five maritime regions. The others are the northern, eastern, southern and Sarawak regions.
