20 new combat boats to beef up security in Sabah waters

We were here: Four women taking pictures of themselves with the exhibits at DSA 2016 in PWTC, Kuala Lumpur, serving as the backdrop.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces’ efforts to beef up security along the eastern Sabah waters was boosted with the inclusion of 20 new combat boats.

The Viper and Stingray interceptors were handed over to Armed Forces Chief Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifli Mohd Zin by MRI Technologies Malaysia Sdn Bhd during a ceremony at the Defence Services Asia Exhibition 2016 (DSA 2016) here yesterday.

Zaulkifli said the boats would take part in the Ops Pasir, under the Joint Force Command, and would be used to combat sea-borne threats.

“It will be stationed at strategic areas in Malaysian waters off Sabah, including Sandakan, Kudat and Semporna.

“The inclusion of these assets is part of our efforts in strengthening the security in the waters of Sabah’s eastern coastline,” he said.

He said the boats were procured in a RM20mil “government operate, company own and maintain” (Gocom) contract. The Stingray and Viper boats would be placed in Sandakan, Kudat and Semporna.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said this year’s DSA visitors exceeded expectations, with 32,900 people visiting the booths during the first two days of the exhibition.

“This is a 25% increase from 24,600 trade visitors in DSA 2014. This is testament to Malaysia’s continued relevance in the defence sector globally, and DSA as the perfect platform to encourage further cooperation between the ministry, military and industry,” he said at the DSA venue at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

In a separate function, a contract was signed for the RMAF’s Nuri helicopters and Hawk fighter aircraft to undergo equipment upgrades.

Local aerospace company Airod Sdn Bhd signed a contract with Norwegian company Heli-One for the glass cockpit upgrade of the Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri helicopters.