Navy adopts Pulau Libaran, plans more
Published on: Sunday, April 21, 2019
By: Mardinah Jikur
SANDAKAN: Malaysian Navy’s Region 2 Headquarters (Mawilla 2) has adopted its first island, Pulau Libaran, here. Its Deputy Commander Captain Azeman Yussof said the island was selected based on its strategic location as a stopover or shelter for navy ships during operations in bad weather or other situations.
“For now, this is the only adopted island but we plan to find more islands around Sandakan to be future Mawilla 2 or the Navy’s friends,” he said, after officiating a Program Jiwa Murni on the island, Saturday, representing Mawilla 2 Commander Rear Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali.
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The programme, commemorating the Navy’s 75th founding anniversary on April 27, was also held at the Tahfiz Centre and Blind Training Centre at Mile 12, Sandakan.
Azeman said about 150 personnel from six Navy vessels took part in a gotong royong to repair a football field and volleyball court as well as take part in sport with the villagers and other activities in Pulau Libaran.
Pulau Libaran village head Ramlee Kahar hailed Mawilla 2’s adoption of the island and hoped the Program Jiwa Murni will be held again in the future.
The island has a population of 400 and is home to 74 houses. Most of the residents work as fishermen and some working in Sandakan town.
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The island has a primary school, solar power, kindergarten, a General Operation Force post, rural clinic and surau.
Meanwhile, the public are invited to an open day at Mawilla 2 on Apr 27 and 28 from 10.30am to 6pm which will showcase several events in conjunction with the Navy’s 75th anniversary.
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Meanwhile, residents of Pulau Libaran hope they can be supplied with 24-hour electricity.
Village Head, Ramlee Kahar, requested that their island or village be supplied with 24-hour electricity that they had been waiting for.
Currently, they used the generator set from 6pm to 10pm at a cost of RM300 a month for the purchase of petrol for the generator set.
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The island has about 400 residents with 74 houses. Most people work as fishermen and some work in Sandakan.
The island has a primary schools, a kindergarten, General Operations Force (PGA) post, Rural Clinic , Surau and there is solar power supply.