By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Dec 13: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has applauded the contribution and sacrifices of the armed forces especially those in Sibu for being at the forefront of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
As frontliners who are also responsible for safeguarding the security of the country and Sarawak, he said the Sarawak government will ensure the welfare of the armed forces are taken care of, as well as the families of those who have lost their lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I was informed that during the Covid-19 pandemic recently, the armed forces in Sibu have contributed directly in assisting the Sarawak government to fight the coronavirus on the battlefield.
“They have helped to build the field hospitals, carry out vaccination programmes through the combat medic vaccination team (CMVT) in rural and interior areas as well as carrying out roadblocks.
“They worked tirelessly day and night,” he said when addressing the armed forces while visiting the Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom) Army Camp in Sibu today.
Abang Johari thus advised the armed forces to take good care of their health as well as their family members and abide by the standard operating procedures (SOP) outlined by the Ministry of Health in the new norm to break the chain of Covid-19 infections.
Apart from that, he extended his appreciation to the armed forces for tackling the entry of illegal immigrants and foiling the attempts of smuggling activities at the borders.
As a token of appreciation to the services and contribution of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in Sarawak, Abang Johari said he announced the contribution of defence assets by the Sarawak government to MAF to enhance border security during the launching of the Sarawak Border Defence Assets and Innovation and Digital Centre at the Muara Tuang Army Camp in Kuching on Dec 11.
He hoped the defence assets will enable the armed forces to be well prepared in strengthening border control in Sarawak.
On Dec 11, Eastern Field Command commander Lt Gen Dato Mardzuki Muhammad extended his appreciation to the the Sarawak government for contributing defence assets worth about RM75 million to the MAF.
He disclosed that the assets comprising drones, powerful communications equipment, generator sets, and 4WD vehicles which will be utilised to enhance border security from various threats.
In the meantime, First Division Infantry Commander Major-General Dato Dzulkifli Mustaffa, Ninth Brigade Infantry Commander General Shamshor Jaafar, Thirty-first Brigade Commander General Abdul Jalal Zaidi Abdul Majid and Deputy State Secretary (Socio-Economic Transformation) Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki were among those present at the visit to the Rascom Army Camp today. — DayakDaily
