Felda Sahabat camp necessary – Armed Forces chief

TAWAU: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) want the plan for an army camp at Felda Sahabat in Tungku, Lahad Datu to materialise.

Its chief, Gen Tan Sri Zulkiple Kassim said the camp was necessary.

“We need the camp because we have operations, we have permanent personnel there,” he told reporters here after presenting contributions from the MAF Fund to the Sa’adah Mosque (7th Royal Malay Regiment Camp), Tungku surau (13th Brigade, ESSCom Cenderawasih Camp), and JPG Camp surau in Lahad Datu, as well as raya goodies to personnel.

He expressed optimism that the plan for Felda Sahabat Camp would get off the ground.

Zulkiple said Sabah was basically peaceful but the army could not be complacent because of various potential threats.

“The threats are not just from pirates but others too, we do not know when it can happen and if we are complacent, they (the criminal elements) will take advantage,” he said, adding that there were six big battalions stationed in Sabah to guard the security and sovereignty of the state.

Zulkiple also advised all army personnel to remain in a strong union.

“The general election is over and the government has been formed, I hope we (army) will now focus on our operations and close ranks.

“The strength of any force does not depend on an individual ‘Rambo’ hero as in the movie but our working together as a team,” he added.

Also present at the event were Task Force 450 commander Major General Datuk Zulkapri Rahamat and 13th Brigade commander General Hamdam Ismail. Bernama