By Shikin Louis
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11: The government’s decision to establish naval and air bases as well as a border regiment in Bintulu, Sarawak, is to safeguard the security and importance of national assets, says Defence Minister Dato Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He explained many national assets, in terms of oil and gas wells, are located near Bintulu. This includes Beting Patinggi Ali (or Luconia Shoals) in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the South China Sea and the Kasawari Gas Field area.
“The government decided to construct this infrastructure in Bintulu because almost 30 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is contributed by those national assets located near Bintulu waters.
“The construction of the bare base of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) in Bintulu does not mean we have forgotten about Sabah. Sabah already has the necessary strength and has many airports that the Air Force can use to operate.
“However, we need to operate from Bintulu because we need to reach there earlier when the need arises,” he said in response to Senator Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh during question time in Dewan Negara today.
Mohamad also said that with the construction of the naval base – Maritime Region Headquarters 4 (Mawilla 4), the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) ships stationed there could arrive at the location within four to five hours at a speed of 25 knots, compared to up to 16 hours from Kota Kinabalu Base in Sepanggar Bay at the same speed.
On Nov 2, Mohamad reportedly said his ministry would build the 31st Malaysian Army Brigade (TDM) camp, TLDM’s Mawilla 4 and TUDM bear base in Bintulu. — DayakDaily
