More weapons for elite troops

MALACCA: The Armed Forces' 10th Brigade Paratroopers rapid reaction force will soon get shoulder-fired missiles as additional firepower, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said. 

He said the Anza MK-II surface-to-air missiles were scheduled to be delivered to the elite team in two or three months. 

Datuk Seri Najib puts on his beret as Brig-Jen Muhammad Effendi (left) and Jen Muhammad Azumi look on.

“We find that the team needs to be equipped with more weapons when deployed in remote areas to defend themselves from enemy attack,” he said, adding that all units in the forces would also get extra weaponry. 

The Pakistan-made Anza MK-II anti-aircraft missile is a portable shoulder-fired infrared homing system. 

Najib was speaking at a press conference after receiving the maroon beret and honorary airborne wings from the brigade at the Terendak Camp near here yesterday.  

Armed Forces chief Gen Datuk Pahlawan Muhammad Azumi Mohamed was present. 

Brigade commander Brig-Gen Datuk Muhammad Effendi Mustaffa said the award was given to Najib for his contributions to the development of the unit, providing him with lifetime membership as well. 

Asked if there were plans to set up more elite teams, Najib said the 4,500-strong team was sufficient now.  

“The team can respond to our requirements to be mobilised within short periods of time, either in an hour or five hours depending on the situation,” he said. 

On whether there was a revision to the allowance for team members, he said there was no decision on the matter yet, adding that revisions were conducted from time to time. 

Earlier, Najib inspected the Leading Para Battle Group parade.