KUCHING: The construction of the new Eastern Field Army Headquarters in Batu Kawa, will be designed according to the allocated budget of RM45 million.
Its commander Lt-Gen Datuk Mohd Sofi Md Lepi said the new headquarters will be located near the Sungai Maong Petronas station in Batu Kawa.
He said the progress of the project stands at six to seven per cent, with construction anticipated to commence in April.
The government-funded RM45 million project is divided into two phases. The first phase involves the construction of the headquarters, single quarters, parade ground, and other essential facilities, while phase two involves the development of staff quarters and additional amenities.
“We will design it (the headquarters) to cost, to fit the allocated budget,” said Mohd Sofi.
“Once completed, we will relocate the Muara Tuang army camp to the new headquarters while the First Infantry Division Headquarters will remain in its current location (in Kota Samarahan).
“The entire project is expected to be fully operational within two or three years, accommodating around 400 to 500 personnel,” he said in a press conference after officiating at the Dayak Market (Pasar Dayak) in Penrissen Camp today (Jan 18).
In a related update, Mohd Sofi said that the army is looking to relocate the 31st Infantry Brigade Headquarters to Bintulu within the year.
This, he said, will align with the Sarawak government’s commitment to bolster security measures for the state’s development.
