By Wendy John
SIBU, Jan 3: There are a total of 2,225 units of Armed Forces Family Housing or RKAT of between 30 to 40 years old in Sarawak that needed restoration.
Highlighting this, Deputy Minister of Defence Liew Chin Tong promised that more emphasis will be put into the restoration of dilapidated RKAT in Sarawak and Sabah.
“Due the significant role played by the military of Sabah and Sarawak in protecting the sovereignty of the country, the Defence Ministry (Mindef) would put more emphasis on both states for the restoration of RKAT.
“9th Brigade Infantry for example has the biggest area of responsibility, covering 80 per cent of Sarawak,” he told a press conference in conjunction with his visit to Rascom Camp here today.
Liew pointed out that the Ministry has allocated RM152 million to repair 6,000 units of dilapidated RRKAT nationwide this year.
In 2019, he informed that a total 1,926 of such units which were unfit for dwelling due to their poor condition, had been restored, involving a cost of RM50 million.
“We hope to restore 6,000 units of dilapidated RKAT from a total of 11,000 (nationwide) as the government want to provide a better living condition for soldiers and their family.
“Members of the Armed Forces usually will be away for between one to three months to conduct operations. We are not only concern about their welfare but also their living condition,” he said.
Liew, who is also Kluang MP, added that with a safe and comfortable home, members of the forces
would have less worries and this would increase their working spirit.
On the appointment of a Sarawakian General Tan Sri Affendi Buang as the 21st Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief, he hoped it would open the door for more concentration on Sabah and Sarawak.
Affendi took over from General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin who has retired.
“In the context of defence, these two regions are very important for us to face whatever challenges that we might encounter,” he added.
Liew is on a three-day visit here to Rascom Camp, 9th Brigade Infantry, and 31st Brigade Infantry. He was accompanied by First Division Commander Major General Datuk Md Din and 9th Brigade Commander Brigadier General Abd Rahman Ab Wahab.— DayakDaily
