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KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will increase the number of security posts along the country’s borders in Sabah and Sarawak following Indonesia’s decision to shift its capital to Kalimantan.
Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Affendi Buang said there was a need for MAF to increase the number of border posts and regiments as the relocation is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024.
“It is already in our plans, and this will be done in stages because the relocation will increase the number of residents and economic sectors in the area,” he said in a special interview in conjunction with the 89th Armed Forces Day celebration at Wisma Perwira here.
Affendi said the increase in population is likely to contribute to the rise in cross-border crime cases such as smuggling.
Elaborating, he said MAF would cooperate with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) regarding border control, adding that the move to increase the number of security posts would be made in tandem with TNI.
“When MAF builds a border post on the Malaysian side, TNI will also build one on their side. Insya-Allah, the number will increase significantly in the future,” he said.
Affendi also said that MAF would beef up surveillance of the country’s borders either via manpower, sensors, or the current conventional practice of using drones and control centres monitoring from a distance.
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on September 16 every year. – Bernama, September 14, 2022