Security boost with another police helicopter

KOTA KINABALU: National security, especially in the east coast of Sabah will be enhanced with the delivery of another Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter to the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Air Operations Force (Sabah).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal said the helicopter is an important asset that is needed to safeguard the state from unwanted threats.

“The helicopter has all the capabilities that are needed to improve security in the state,” he said after witnessing the arrival of the Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter at the Royal Malaysia Police Air Operations Force headquarters in Tanjung Aru yesterday.

Also present were Inspector General of Police, Datuk Seri Panglima Mohamad Fuzi Harun, Director of Internal Security and Public Order Department, CP Datuk Sri Acryl Sani Haji Abdullah Sani, Sabah Police Commissioner, Datuk Omar Mammah and senior police officers.

Shafie added that the helicopter, which can operate day and night, will also operate in the east coast to increase security and operations.

Shafie also said that application to expand the RMP Air Operations Force hangar has been proposed and the Land Administration Management in Tanjung Aru has been directed to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, Fuzi said, the AW139 helicopter is the second of six police helicopters available under the RMP Air Operations Force in Sabah.

“The AW139 is a medium-size twin-engine helicopter that can carry up to 15 passengers and seven tons of cargo. Equipped with sophisticated navigation system allows the helicopter to operate day and night and is capable to reach speeds of up to 150 nautical miles, equivalent to 300 kilometres per hour for four hours in the air,” he said.

Fuzi said, the Air Operations Force will not only look after national security through surveillance and patrol from the air, but will also provide services to other national security agencies, including government agencies, private sectors and community services.