Marawi incident leads to security boost in ESSZone
SANDAKAN: The Royal Malaysian Navy Naval Region 2 (MAWILLA 2) here has shown its commitment to ensure the safety in Sabah’s East Coast, especially along the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
Naval Commander of Region 2, Rear Admiral Datuk Abdul Rahman Ayob said the average monthly operation of each vessel increased by 80 percent to 100 percent.
Abdul Rahman said the outstanding achievement of the ships under MAWILLA 2, especially Kapal Diraja (KD) Baung, which had managed to record the highest number of operating days in 2017 was very impressive.
He said the upheaval incident in Marawi, Mindanao Philippines in May last year was a good lesson and reminder to the security forces.
“The incident had led to all operating vessels complementing each other and cooperating diligently, assisted by the Western Fleet Command Headquarters in Peninsular Malaysia as well as vessels based at Kota Kinabalu RMN base.
“MAWILLA 2 location here is important in ensuring that any safety precautions are preventive, thus immediate action can be taken more effectively and efficiently.
“The positioning of this base is particularly relevant in terms of geo-strategic, geo-political and increasing the importance of the Sulu Sea and the Sulawesi Sea as one of the major international maritime routes,” he said.
Therefore, he said MAWILLA 2 now has eight patrol boats with six combat boats (CB90) and five Silverbreeze boats capable of implementing any rapid intercept task.
“RMN plans to complete this base with more advanced and latest assets in the future to ensure that no external elements can invade and interfere with the security of our maritime waters,” he said during an inspection parade at KD Sri Sandakan and New Year’s Message 2018 at Dewan Aziz, Taman Samudera here, yesterday.
Also present at the ceremony were Commanding Officer (CO) of KD Sri Semporna, Captain Muhammad Rodhi Ariffin, CO of KD Sri Tawau, Commander Noor Azhar Borhan, CO of KD Sri Sandakan, Commander Mohd Fazla Rahim and Commander of the Navy Tun Sharifah Rodziah, Commander Mohd Effendy Mohd Shuib.
At the ceremony, Abdul Rahman also presented the medals of United Nations (UN) MALBATT 850 Series 4 to two members who had participated in observer missions in southern Lebanon’s turbulent territory.
He also presented Anugerah Bintara dan Laskar Kreatif Suku Tahun Pertama MAWILLA 2 to two personnel.