SANDAKAN: The Operations Jetty upgrade project at the Naval Region 2 Headquarters (Mawilla 2) at the Sandakan Naval Base is now 39 per cent complete.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said when completed, the jetty will be capable of accommodating naval ships docking and operating in the vicinity.
He said this at a press conference after an official visit to the Sandakan Naval Base, Monday.
Earlier, he visited the Ops Pasir Bravo Sector’s Area of Responsibility in Pulau Berhala, as well as Mawilla 2.
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He was also briefed on the implementation of Ops Pasir, designed to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity from any threats of intrusion or conflict, as well as the opportunity to inspect the surrounding environment and infrastructure facilities provided.
Adly and members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) also joined in the Sunat Aidiladha prayer at Al Jamaei Surau, Pulau Berhala Camp.
He also visited ATM members on duty during the Aidiladha Majlis Ramah Mesra, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of ATM officials and troops serving at the border during the celebration, as well as navy men at Mawilla 2.
He also performed the sacrificial slaughter of two cows donated by him at Taman Samudera, the Sandakan navy families’ housing area, and attended the Aidiladha Majlis Ramah Mesra reception alongside Mawilla 2 members.
The event was further enlivened by the distribution of welfare aid to 10 recipients among members or beneficiaries suffering from chronic illnesses or disabilities.
He said the contributions reflect the concern in helping to ease the burden of navy members in managing their daily lives.
On the working visit, he noted that it is part of his initiative to visit ATM members who are carrying out activities under the First Pillar of the National Defence Strategy, which is Integrated Deterrence and Prevention, in accordance with the Defence White Paper (DWP).
He said this strategy aims to protect the country’s interests from any threats by elements seeking to undermine the country’s well-being.
In another development, Adly said the provision of housing for navy members is always a priority, with an allocation of RM400 million to complete all the housing by 2029.
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