BALAI RINGIN: The three border control posts being built along the Malaysia-Indonesia border will strengthen the state’s border security.
The posts currently in construction phase are Rapak Baru Post in Sri Aman, Tetangga Akrab Post (Serian) and Mengkalap Post (Limbang).
Chief of Army General Datuk Seri Mohammad Ab Rahman said the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) also planned to add a few more border posts and they would be implemented in stages.
“There will be more (construction of posts) in stages. This year three, next year two.
“I extend my gratitude to the Sarawak government for its support in everything we do, especially when it comes to the development of these border posts,” he told the media at the Balai Ringin Tactical Camp yesterday.
Mohammad Ab’s visit to Sarawak was his first to the Eastern Field Command since he assumed the position of 29th MAF Commander on March 23.
For the record, there are a total of 17 existing border control posts located in Sabah and Sarawak.
Previously, the army chief visited the Batu Kaya post in Lubok Antu and officiated at the opening of the post, which was completed on July 31 last year.
Mohammad Ab said the Batu Kaya post is closer to the border than the existing post, which is the Lubok Antu post.
“The older Lubok Antu post is about five to seven kilometres from the border while the Batu Kaya post is close to the border and not far from our immigration post,” he said.
On his scheduled visit to the Padang Pan Post in Bau the same day, he said it had to be cancelled due to bad weather.
Also present were Eastern Field commander Lieutenant General Datuk Mardzuki Muhammad, First Infantry Division commander Major General Hassan Embong, Assistant Chief of Staff Operations and Training Major General Malek Razak, Third Brigade commander Brigadier General Mohd Kamil Abdul Latiff and Balai Ringin Tactical Camp chief Colonel Willie Chahat.
