SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) are always prepared to strengthen security control in the waters and along the eastern borders of Sabah.
Chief of Defence Force, Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman
(pic), said that at the same time, the military has also been instructed to intensify efforts to curb smuggling activities, including the leakage of subsidised goods such as diesel in border areas.
Advertisement
_E.jpg)
“We are very serious about ensuring that such incidents do not occur or slip through, especially under the current circumstances,” he said.
“This is important so that what rightfully belongs to our people continues to be protected,” he added.
He expressed confidence that all enforcement agencies are also stepping up their efforts to ensure that no leakages or smuggling activities take place.
“We want subsidised goods to be fully enjoyed by the local population,” he stressed.
Advertisement
He added that surveillance measures in border areas will continue to be strengthened to close any gaps for smuggling activities that could affect the economy and the cost of living.
He said this when met by the media during a meet-and-greet session with ATM personnel at Dewan Azim, Navy Family Housing, Batu 5, here on Sunday.
The event also involved several veteran associations, including the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association Sandakan, Non-Pensioned Armed Forces Veterans Association Sandakan, Royal Malaysian Navy Veterans Association Sabah Branch (Sandakan Zone), Malaysian Commando Veterans Association Sabah (Sandakan Zone), and Royal Signals Regiment Veterans Community Sandakan.
He said the event aimed to strengthen ties between the top leadership of the ATM and personnel at the operational level, while also providing an opportunity for closer interaction with the Chief of Defence Force.
It was also part of his operational visit to the eastern Sabah region, covering Tawau, Semporna, Sandakan, Kudat and Kota Kinabalu.
He also expressed appreciation to ATM personnel serving in eastern Sabah and at various posts across the state for their dedication and commitment.
The event also served as a platform to convey appreciation and recognition to all ATM personnel who remain committed to defending the nation’s sovereignty, particularly in operational areas in eastern Sabah.
Meanwhile, he said the welfare of ATM veterans continues to be given attention through the management of the ATM Veterans Affairs Department.
Various initiatives have been introduced, including welfare assistance and second-career programmes to help veterans who are still of productive age.
Most veterans retire around the age of 40 and still have family responsibilities.
“Therefore, in addition to pensions, we are also working to provide second-career opportunities to help them generate income, as many still have children who are in school or studying and not yet working,” he said.
For veterans who are ill or incapacitated, specific assistance is also provided based on their needs, including welfare visits to their homes as moral support and direct aid.
The government also continues its commitment to safeguarding veterans’ welfare, including one-off financial assistance for those without pensions and monthly pension payments for retirees.
Festive bonuses during Syawal are also extended to both serving personnel and pensioners.
