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SANDAKAN: Outgoing Naval Region 2 (Markas Wilayah Laut 2) (Mawilla 2) Commander Datuk Sabri Zali (pic) is hopeful that Mawilla 2 will have a proper base built under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

He said Mawilla 2 was moved here from Sepanggar in Kota Kinabalu in August 2017 to boost the security on the east coast of Sabah but was still operating from a smaller base at KD Sri Sandakan.

“Before this (elevation to a command centre), RMN was a small unit working out of KD Sri Sandakan to provide logistic support to small vessels coming into Sandakan.

“But now, we have become a regional command centre and the responsibility that comes with it does not commensurate with the size of the current infrastructure,” he told reporters after a programme in appreciation of his service at Mawilla 2, here, today.

Sabri, who would be assuming his new role as Eastern Fleet (Armada Timur) Commander on Dec 18, said a 2.2 hectare (ha) plot of state-owned land here had been identified for the new base and RMN was seeking the transfer of the land’s ownership to the Federal government.

He said there was also a need for a new accommodation complex to be built for RMN’s officers and personnel, including those with families.

According to him, there were currently 256 housing units available for RMN staff while 236 personnel rented outside the base.

“We need to build at least 300 units more in order to be comfortable (accommodate all staff) and for future developments,” he said.

Sabri also said four China-made Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) (Kapal Misi Pesisir) were expected to arrive in Kota Kinabalu at the end of next year.

He said two of the ships, namely KD Ganas and KD Serang, would be stationed in Sandakan and this would increase the number of officers and personnel working out of Mawilla 2.

“Right now, there are about 1,200 RMN staff, not including family members. We expect the number to increase to around 2,000 people in the (near) future.

“It could also benefit the economy of Sandakan if all bring their families over,” he added. – Bernama