KUCHING: A prelude to setting up Task Force 450 into the country’s fifth infantry division to safeguard Sabah seems encouraging as a plan for its establishment continues.
In a press conference today, Eastern Field Command (EFC) Commander Lieutenant General Datuk Wira Zamrose Mohd Zain told New Sarawak Tribune that the task force will be re-organised to form the fifth division.
“We will initiate its nucleus first this June and proceed in stages. Hopefully it will be accomplished by June next year,” he said during the 5th EFC anniversary celebration.
According to him, turning the task force into the Malaysian Fifth Infantry Division is up to the top echelon of the Armed Forces.
“In future endeavours, Task Force 450 will be stationed at Kota Kinabalu as the centre of defence in this region,” he said.
He also emphasised that re-structuring of the task force is needed to reinforce its position in the infantry.
Regarding the enhancement of the Royal Malaysian Air Force here, Zamrose said there is no plan to further enhance the air force base in Sarawak.
He pointed out that there are air force bases throughout Sabah and Sarawak but only for the usage of the armed forces.
“This region is safeguarded by the Royal Malaysian Air Force bases in Labuan. There is no plan to set up a base here,” he said.
Task Force 450 was formed during the invasion of Lahad Datu, Sabah by terrorists from southern Philippines a few years ago.
Last year, a plan to make the task force the fifth Malaysian infantry division was put on hold due to budget constraints.
