By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 28: Greater participation of Sarawakians in the Territorial Army Regiment (Rejimen Askar Wataniah) needs to be enhanced to strengthen the national defense system’s readiness through community involvement in security and defense aspects.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Commander of the Third Infantry Brigade Malaysia (3rd Brigade), Brigadier General Zulkininie Yunus, stated that the participation level of Sarawakians in the Territorial Army remains low compared to their involvement in the regular armed forces.
“If we make a comparison with other states, we are still relatively low and need to raise awareness among Sarawakians, whether employed or unemployed, to join and serve in the Territorial Army Regiment,” he said at a press conference after leading a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi complex here today.
He said greater involvement by Sarawakians would help strengthen national defence preparedness through closer cooperation between the military, government agencies and the community.
He added that a “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Society” approach was essential to safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining peace and security.
In the meantime, he said his party will continue to raise awareness among the Sarawakian community regarding opportunities to serve in the Territorial Army, particularly for those interested in contributing to the nation without joining the regular forces.
Sarawak has two Territorial Army regiments, namely Regiment 511 in Kuching and Regiment 510 in Sibu, which provide opportunities for the people of the State to contribute to the nation’s defense.
Zulkininie said the meeting also covered Sarawak government support for 3 Brigade’s operational requirements, infrastructure development and personnel welfare at Kem Penrissen.
Among the projects discussed was the construction of a car park at Masjid Salahuddin in Kem Penrissen, which is expected to proceed following State authority approval in January 2027.
The construction of a new mosque at the 11th Royal Malay Regiment (11 RMD) camp in Semenggoh, valued at approximately RM2.4 million, has also reached 70 per cent completion.
He said discussions also explored the potential involvement of special forces in Sarawak’s tourism programmes, particularly skydiving activities that had previously attracted participants from both Malaysia and abroad.
The proposal could be considered for future State tourism initiatives, including activities that may be organised in Sibu. – DayakDaily
