October 20, 2009

The STAR

MMEA plans to set up air base in Sarawak

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is planning to set up an air base in Sarawak under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) to beef up its enforcement, search and rescue capability.
 
MMEA Sarawak Region Chief First Admiral (Maritime) Muhammad Abdul Basar Taji said Kuching had been proposed for the MMEA air base location in Sarawak.
 
“With the proposed air base, it will further strengthen our assets and ability in the air, on land and water,” he told reporters after attending the MMEA Sarawak Region Aidilfitri gathering recently.
  
Muhammad said the MMEA was planning to construct a total of five new bases in Sarawak under the 10MP.
 
Muhammad said the location that had been identified were Kuching, Tanjung Manis, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.
 
“The implementation will be in stages. We are in the midst of looking for suitable sites,” he said.
 
Muhammad said the Kuching base would also act as the new headquarters for MMEA Sarawak Region.
 
On the problem of encroachment by foreign boats in Sarawak waters, he said that although the number of cases for this year had risen it was not an indication that the problem was serious. — Bernama 

      
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