M’sia, Indonesia enhance border security
KUCHING: Malaysia Armed Forces ( TDM) and Indonesia National Armed Forces ( TNIAD) inked a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) for a coordinated joint border patrol along the porous Sarawak ( Malaysia) and Kalimantan ( Indonesia) border.
Under the MoU, Malaysian Third Infantry Brigade commander BrigadierGeneralMohd Bustaman Mat Zin said the armed forces of the two countries will continue to work together to safeguard the border and assist the enforcement authorities of both countries in anti-smuggling activities.
“TDM is hosting the first Unit Commander Meeting ( UCM) Series 1/2016 at 3rd Brigade Infantry, Penrissen Camp at Jalan Penrissen between the two armed forces. After this, there will be a reciprocal arrangement where TNI-AD will be host,” he said after the MoU signing ceremony cum dinner at Wisma Perwira
TDM is hosting the first Unit Commander Meeting (UCM) Series 1/2016 at 3rd Brigade Infantry, Penrissen Camp at Jalan Penrissen between the two armed forces.
Sri Gading, Penrissen Camp on Wednesday night.
“This arrangement will enable both armed forces to coordinate and implement what transpires during our meeting today ( Wednesday) and the near future. The first patrol will be carried out in September and November this year from Entikong Tebedu to Nangga Badau in Lubok Antu for 10 days,” he added.
Bustaman said out of the 10 days of patrolling, they will put aside three days for social and community work in the villages along the border.
“The two armed forces will carry out medical and dental check-up in the villages and help to clean their village compounds through ‘gotong royong’ for a cleaner and healthier environment,” he said.
Apart from joint border patrols, Bustaman said the two armed forces will also be having a joint military training using indoor simulation models and conventional warfare exercises at the vicinity of Batang Kayan Lundu.
“Also in the bilateral agreement, there will be an Army Adoption Programme for a total of 25 TDM children who will be adopted by TNI-AD families for a week,” he said.
He said this would expose the children to a new experience and at the same time further strengthen the relationship between the personnel and families of the two armed forces.
Earlier before the dinner, the MOU was signed by the Malaysia Third Brigade Chief of Staff Lt- Col
General Mohd Bustaman Mat Zin, Malaysian Third Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier
Wan Edenin Wan Mahsin and the Chief of Staff of TNI-AD Komando Resort Militer 121 Alam Bhana Wannawai ( Korem 121 ABW) Colonel Denny Ri Masangi.
The ceremony was witnessed by Malaysian First Infantry Division commander Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw and his counterpart TNI-AD Korem 121 ABW commander Brigadier General Widodo Iryanshah.