TAP to be launched at Subang Air Base

KUALA LUMPUR: A Trilateral Air Patrol (TAP) between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines in the Sulu Sea is expected to be launched at the Subang Air Base near here this year.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said TAP is among the initiatives to be undertaken to strengthen the security and preparedness of air space and maritime surveillances.

“The implementation of TAP is following the launching of the Indomalphi Trilateral Maritime Patrol ( TMP) to combat violence. TMP is aimed at ensuring militants including Daesh will not use the Sulu Sea to intrude into the three nations and also to tackle piracy, kidnappings and armed robberies (in the Sulu Sea),” he said in a statement here yesterday.

Hishamuddin, who is also Special Functions Minister, said he always communicated with his counterparts from Asean nations to discuss the best strategies and approaches to tackle the Daesh group.

“I have contacted my counterpart from the Philippines, Delfin Negrillo Lorenzana to state Malaysia's willingness to help the Philippines, which is now faced with terrorism threats, in whatever way and situation,” he said.

Hishammuddin said he would contact the United State's Defence secretary, General James Mattis on Thursday to discuss the latest development on the activities of the militant Daesh group in the Middle East.

“I always closely monitor the activities of the militant groups specifically Daesh in the Middle East. This is because the situation developing in the Middle East can significantly impact on the security of the nation and region,” he said.— Bernama