By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 11: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) plans to build 13 more border control posts across Sarawak next year.
Eastern Field Command commander Lt Gen Dato Mardzuki Muhammad has thus expressed appreciation to the Sarawak government for contributing defence assets worth about RM75 million to the MAF, which demonstrated the government’s commitment to enhancing land border security.
“While it is the Armed Forces’ responsibility to maintain the sovereignty at national borders, the delivery of sophisticated defence assets by the Sarawak government will further strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of security control and surveillance, especially in Sarawak’s land borders.
“In addition, the contribution of the assets is also very meaningful, especially to give a morale boost to military personnel to continue to be committed to safeguarding every inch of the national borders,” he said.
He highlighted this at the launching of the Sarawak Border Defence Assets and Innovation and Digital Centre (IDC) by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Muara Tuang Army Camp today.
Mardzuki emphasised that the assets comprising drones, powerful communications equipment, generator sets, and 4WD vehicles will be fully utilised to enhance border security from various threats.
In addition, he commended that the IDCs being set up at Muara Tuang Camp, Penrissen Camp, and Rascom Camp have also helped improve the learning of military personnel and their children.
He added that the contribution of laboratory equipment, laptop computers, learning materials, and internet access was necessary for all military personnel and their families, given the new learning approach, which is highly dependent on online classes.
“This centre and the programmes there will provide a platform and opportunities for children to develop their abilities and achievement in learning further,” he said.
This, he pointed out, also showed the government’s commitment to the well-being of military families and children.
First Division Infantry Commander Major-General Dato Dzulkifli Mustaffa, State Deputy Secretary (Socio-Economic Transformation) Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SEC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani were among those present. — DayakDaily
