Sabah base gets light combat copters
PUTATAN: The Defence Ministry has announced that two McDonnell Douglas (MD) helicopters will be based at the Lahad Datu Forward Operating Base by April.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, said the air defence asset comprised light combat helicopters, which would be used for security surveillance.
He said the total number of assets to be kept at the base would be announced later.
“If we look at the MD helicopters, they are not the same as combat helicopters such as the Apache and Tiger, but for now, this asset is adequate for the threat we are facing in Sabah,” Hishammuddin during his visit to the Lok Kawi Army Camp here.
Present were Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, Army chief Tan Sri Zulkiple Kassim and Defence Ministry director-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohd Radzi.
Hishammuddin said the ministry was looking at introducing another four or five aircraft for patrolling purposes along the east coast of Sabah.
“The decision was made based on technical and financial aspects, as well as the packages offered.”
Meanwhile, Hishammudin said the Trilateral Maritime Patrol (TMP) arrangement between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines would be strengthened.
He added that a visit involving the armed forces from three countries would be held in Tarakan, Indonesia, next month as a follow-up from the last visit to Tawi-Tawi, the Philippines.
“The navies from both countries have implemented seven rendezvous in Sulu Sea since TMP was launched in June.”
On another matter, Hishammuddin urged the relevant industries to channel part of their profits to corporate social responsibility programmes for the army, as well as its retired personnel.