By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 22: More than 80 illegal routes along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border have been flagged as potential channels for cross-border activities, prompting calls for tighter security and stronger border controls.
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar stressed the need to strengthen security along the border.
The matter was discussed during a nearly one-hour meeting with Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces General Dato Seri Malek Razak Sulaiman at Astana Negeri Sarawak here today, during his first official introductory visit since assuming the post on Feb 1, 2026.
It also provided a platform for discussions on security, defence and Sarawak’s strategic interests.
He also highlighted the need to strengthen security in Sarawak’s waters, particularly in Bintulu, including consideration of a proposal to establish a naval base given the area’s strategic importance.
The meeting also touched on regional cooperation in addressing transboundary haze, as well as the need to improve preparedness, information-sharing and coordination among relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, Wan Junaidi stressed the importance of strengthening the preparedness of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), alongside greater use of technology and innovation in defence.
He said these efforts were important to strengthen the country’s capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.
Also present were TYT’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Malek Razak’s wife Puan Sri Datin Seri Siti Juana Md Ibrahim; 1st Division Commander Major General Mohd Sobirin Mohd Yusof and his wife Noor Hamiza Suhami; Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Commander Muhammad Shahir Salleh; and Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) Lieutenant Colonel Nasaruddin Khalid. — DayakDaily
