TCA initiative boosts maritime security – commander
SANDAKAN: The Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) initiative involving Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines will become an innovative model in creating maritime security effectively.
Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) commander Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin upon visiting the naval force in the Philippines and Indonesia recently said all parties had agreed that the TCS initiative had effectively increased maritime security level in the waters of the three countries.
“They also told me that three other countries in the North of the South China Sea are now studying to implement the TCA initiative.
“Collaboration between the three countries, which I will not name, is proof that our TCA initiative has become the best and most creative effort in increasing maritime security in their respective countries,” he said.
He said this to reporters after attending an appreciation ceremony held at Mohd Azim Hall, Taman Samudera here, yesterday.
Also present was Commander Naval Region 2 (PANGWILLA 2) Rear Admiral Dato Ganesh Navaratnam.
Ahmad also pointed out that the operation of two naval bases in Malaysia, Tun Sharifah Rodziah Naval Base and Tun Azizan Naval Base, that started several years ago, are still relevant in creating a sense of security among the local community.
He said the bases that were located in the sea had indirectly curbed unwanted threats as teams at the said bases would respond to signs of threats faster; to be compared to before the bases were stationed there.
“Currently, the bases have proven to be effective. For me, the bases are still relevant and if possible, we should see if we could increase such base in other locations.
“As of now, these two bases have attracted the attention of navy forces in other countries. For example, the Philippines, they have inspected the bases’ operations which are different as they are located in the middle of the sea and are also well equipped with relevant assets,” he said.
Earlier, he said the Naval Region 2 (MAWILLA 2) here was acting as a defence shield for the east coast of Sabah.
He said various efforts and initiative had been conducted by the Royal Malaysian Navy in driving MAWILLA 2 to excellence, especially in ensuring the maritime security and the safety of the east coast borders.
“This includes the addition of ships in MAWILLA 2 as well as the 15 to five transformation programmes. Other than that, the TCA initiative involving the collaboration between Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines has also proven to create positive impact to the maritime community at Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
“This collaboration is seen to have given confidence to the neighbouring countries, especially when it has brought strong security to the Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea areas,” he added.