Mindef committed to Sabah, Sarawak security: Mat Sabu

Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Defence is committed to strengthening security in Sabah and Sarawak to curb external threats including transborder kidnapping, said its Minister Mohamad Sabu.

He said said the territorial sovereignty, security and prosperity of the people are a priority of the government.

“Generally, the security of Sabah and Sarawak at present is regulated by operations by the military services namely the army, the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force,” Mohamad was quoted as saying by defence news website airtimes.my on Wednesday.

“In line with the setting of 2019 as a year for training and alignment, the army continues to streamline its structure in Sabah with the establishment of the 5th Infantry Division and the 13th Infantry Brigade which were launched at the Lok Kawi Camp on Sept 4.

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"Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the 32nd Infantry Brigade will be established and based in Kalabakan, Tawau Sabah.

"Naval operations in Sabah are focused on preventing encroachment, kidnapping, piracy activities and other crimes that violate Malaysia's laws," he said during a debate on the Supplies Bill 2020 at the Dewan Rakyat.

According to Mohamad, the navy will transform its fleet with the introduction of littoral mission ships and an unmanned aerial system which will empower the service to carry out operations in Sabah and Sarawak waters.

Touching on the air force, Mohamad said two air bases and an air operations support centre in Tawau continue to be upgraded to ensure Sabah and Sarawak are safe.

“The air force has also deployed a Hawk fighter squadron at the Labuan Air Base for air patrol duties and close air support," he said.

“The Beechcraft B200T maritime patrol aircraft and EC725 helicopter are also stationed at the Labuan Air Base for monitoring Malaysian waters in the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea and assisting the operations of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

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"The Hercules C130 squadron at Labuan Air Base and the CN235 transport aircraft and the Nuri helicopter squadrons at the Kuching Air Base are responsible for providing air transport support in Sabah and Sarawak."

Mohamad also said the armed forces still maintain its commitment to Esscom by strengthening security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

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