Army mulls new control posts in Sabah’s East Coast
Published on: Friday, July 07, 2023
Tun Juhar (centre) receives a souvenir from Mohd Sofi while being watched by Toh Puan Norlidah (three from right), Erni Irawati (two from right), Abdul Rahman (left) and his wife, Zarina (right)
Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Army is currently identifying several areas for new land and sea control posts on Sabah’s East Coast which has been vulnerable to incursions in the past.
Commander of the Army’s Eastern Field Command, Lieutenant General Datuk Mohd Sofi Md Lepi, said subsequently cooperation with neighbouring countries are strengthened, particularly with Indonesia which is relocating its capital to Kalimantan.
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Welcoming the move, he said he would continue to seek opportunities through bilateral platforms.
“The Eastern Field, especially in Sabah, follows the Army Strategy where the 29th Army Commander’s first pillar of objective is to be always in the state of preparedness.
“Several plans have been drawn up, namely increasing control posts and identifying areas to hold bilateral meetings with the Indonesian government.
“We will continue the plan while strengthening human resources and equipment for operations in Sabah.
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“Additionally, we will continue to cooperate with local forces such as the Royal Malaysian Police, Esscom and Angkatan Bersama 2 so that we do not overlap.”
Speaking to reporters at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Thursday, Mohd Sofi informed that the Eastern Field also has restructuring plans for the 5th Division to “further improve the level of readiness”.
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“The preparedness and restructuring of the Eastern Field, especially the 5th Division, is there but it will take some time,” he said.
Mohd Sofi, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Erni Irawati Rosli, paid a courtesy visit to Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni, in conjunction with his appointment since June 7.
Also present during the visit was 5th Division Infantry Commander Major General Datuk Abdul Rahman A Wahab and his wife Datin Zarina Alif.
The new Eastern Field leader is determined in sustaining the integrity of the Malaysian Army in Region 2 (Borneo).
Earlier, Juhar received a courtesy visit from the Irish Ambassador to Malaysia, Hilary Reilly, who aimed to introduce himself after being appointed to the position in October 2019.
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