Security-related infrastructure could not be treated like ordinary development projects, as delays could affect border control.
PUTRAJAYA: The Pulau Malawali Remote Sensor Site (RSS) in Sabah must be expedited to close surveillance gaps in the country’s border waters, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said today.
He said that security-related infrastructure could not be treated like ordinary development projects, as delays could affect border control.
“The bottom line is that the radar in Pulau Malawali must be expedited.
“If we have this capability, we can improve our ability to monitor our security areas. This is a priority.
“If it can be completed according to schedule, there will be no more blind spots in the area.
“This is the number one need,” he said in his speech at the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly here.
Saifuddin said he had visited several border areas over the past two weeks, including Bukit Kayu Hitam, Padang Besar, Pulau Gaya, Mantanani, Pulau Balambangan and Pulau Malawali, to better understand the operational needs of enforcement agencies.
He said Sabah’s east coast alone has 14 inhabited islands and 48 uninhabited islands, making surveillance capability critical to securing the area.
He added that the main strength of agencies stationed in border areas depends on radar capability, particularly in obtaining timely information on security threats.
Saifuddin stated that six General Operations Force (GOF) control posts in the same area had been approved, but follow-up action was necessary to ensure their completion.
“The GOF certainly needs better and more suitable posts, complete with strategic locations and teams ready to be deployed.
“But if the posts are not ready, that is not good,” he said.
He said projects involving major security needs should not be delayed through ordinary implementation processes.
“It must be seen from a different perspective. Delays in projects with security elements can compromise border security control,” he said.
The Pulau Malawali RSS project was previously reported to involve an allocation of RM88 million under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Saifuddin had said during a visit to Sabah last month that the existing RSS in Balambangan could monitor only 70% of northern Sabah, while the Malawali RSS would help provide full coverage once completed.
