Four new control posts to bolster Sarawak-Indonesia border security
BAU: An additional four new border control posts will be set up along the Malaysia-Indonesia border in Sarawak, said Army chief General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain.
He said the establishment of the new posts would add on to the 15 control posts in the state.
“The Malaysian government has approved the funding to set up the posts, with the sites approved by the Sarawak government. Construction works have already begun and are expected to be completed in August this year,” he said.
Zamrose said this when met after officiating at the handingover ceremony of Op Benteng assets for the army’s Eastern Field Command in Serikin yesterday.
According to him, the army has mobilised one-third of its strength in terms of assets and human resources, to bolster the defence capabilities in Sarawak and Sabah.
This, he pointed out, was part of its Strategic Plan for 20212025 in an effort to balance the army’s strength for Peninsular Malaysia as well as the two Borneo states.
With new assets such as scrambler motorcycles, allterrain vehicles, pickup trucks and drones, Zamrose said the army can conduct its operations in hard-to-reach places along the border.
“If we look at the terrain in Sarawak, if we go to areas such as Ba Kelalan, Bario, Lubok Antu, Biawak and Serikin, we can see that the roads are difficult (to traverse) and the areas are hilly.
“We have no problem mobilising the army personnel to conduct patrols on foot, but this has been proven difficult. These new assets will ease their movement so that they can carry out operations effectively.
“Of course we have achieved a lot in Op Benteng, and I believe more can be achieved with these new assets,” he added.