By Wendy John
SIBU, Jan 4: The armed forces regiments in Sabah and Sarawak will be strengthened to enable both sides to carry out joint operations especially along the borders with neighbouring Kalimantan.
Defence Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong said the need to strengthen the military in both states was stated in the Defence White Paper. There are four infantry camps in Sarawak and one in Sabah, while Peninsular Malaysia has five.
“We want the two regions to have joint operations where the military and the air forces come together to conduct simultaneous operations,” he told reporters after visiting the 31st Infantry Brigade camp here today.
Liew said with joint forces between the infantry units of both states, they would be able to face whatever challenges that cross their paths.
On the 31st Infantry Brigade camp, as it is renting Junaco Park as its base, the ministry could not upgrade the facility as they belonged to the owner of the park.
“This camp is renting this place. Unlike other camps, where we can upgrade the facility such as housing,” he said.
The camp was established in 2015. It currently has 400 military personnel led by its commander Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng.
On his three-day visit to the three camps here, which also included Rascom and Oya camps, he emphasised that it was to boost the morale of the soldiers.
“While I am visiting camps in Sarawak, Defence Minister Mat Sabu will be visiting those in Sabah,” he said.
Liew also wanted the public to shoulder the responsibility of looking after the sovereignty of the country as it was not just the role of the soldiers.
Accompanying Liew at the visit were First Division commander, Major General Datuk Md Din, Lanang MP Alice Lau and Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang. — DayakDaily
