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| Sabah and Sarawak (Source: Internet) |
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Established one year ago, Eastern Field Command (EFC) which covers Sabah and Sarawak recently marked its first anniversary with a celebration at its headquarters at Muara Tuang Military Complex near here.
The highlight of the celebration was a parade involving 90 officers and 830 rank-and-file personnel from the various units under its charge, which was witnessed by EFC commander Lt Gen Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar.
The parade was led by Eastern Field Command’s logistics director-general Brig Gen Datuk Hasim Jabar.
At the occasion, Mohd Zaki presented certificates of appreciation to outstanding army officers and personnel, and representatives of selected media organisations.
After the parade, Mohd Zaki and other senior army officers including First Malaysian Infantry Division commander Major Gen Datuk Stephen Mundaw proceeded to cut the anniversary cake.
The Malaysian Armed Forces will continue to beef up their efforts to safeguard the state from any intrusion.
In giving this assurance, Eastern Field Commander Lt Gen Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar said although the security in the state was still well under control they would never be complacent or take things for granted but instead would continue to equip themselves in every aspect.
“Security is something we cannot take lightly because anything can happen at any time and therefore we have to be always on guard,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after witnessing a parade to mark the first anniversary of Eastern Field Command at Muara Tuang Military Complex, Zaki said, to enhance their ability and presence in the state, the armed forces would set up a new army battalion in Bintulu and form a border regiment.
“These are all in the pipeline and we do hope they can be implemented as soon as possible,” he said.
On the border regiment, he said it was necessary to enhance and step up surveillance, particularly along the Kalimantan border.
He disclosed that the relationship between them and their Indonesian counterparts had always been cordial but that did not mean that security along the border should be neglected.
He considered Sarawak to be more fortunate than its neighbour Sabah but cautioned that undesired incidents were unpredictable and what one should do was always be prepared for any eventuality.
On the Eastern Field Command, Mohd Zaki said although the organisation was established only one year ago, it had managed to achieve many great successes that they could be proud of.
He said one of their great achievements was when they were given the trust to be the lead agency for the Mobile Community Transformation Programme (MCTP) in Sarawak.
Mohd Zaki said MCTP which involved the army and various government departments and agencies was an outreach programme to provide services to people in the remote parts of the state.
“This programme has benefited many people in the rural areas and very soon we are also going to expand it to Sabah.
“Following the discussion involving the leadership of Task Force 450 (based in Sabah) and Sabah state secretary, we hope a similar programme will be introduced in Sabah soon.”
He said through MCTP the army and the various government agencies and departments could bring impact to the wellbeing of people in the remote areas.
He added that such activities would not only enhance good rapport between the army and the public but also establish better understanding between the various participating agencies.
Among those present at the occasion yesterday were First Malaysian Infantry Division commander Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw and other senior officers under the authority of Eastern Field Command. (The Borneo Post)
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