KOTA KINABALU: The six injured members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) in Lebanon are now in a safe area, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).
He said the safety of personnel stationed in Lebanon would continue to be prioritised.
Malbatt is stationed at the Marakah Camp close to the border, Mohamed Khaled said, adding that they were buffered by forces from other countries.
“Our troops are positioned in a comparatively safe location,” he said.
The Malbatt personnel were injured in an explosion while travelling from Beirut to Marakah Camp on Thursday.
He also noted that the rotation process for the second Malbatt batch is currently underway as part of their seven-month operational cycle in Lebanon.
On another matter, Mohamed Khaled said all development plans to strengthen Sabah’s defence must begin now to avoid delays.
“This is the directive from the Federal Government to ensure that, when the new year arrives, projects can proceed smoothly without setbacks,” he said.
One of the key initiatives is the upgrade of the Lok Kawi Army Camp in Putatan which will receive new healthcare facilities, including a clinic and dental services.
This is part of an allocation of RM234mil for ongoing projects and an additional RM37.6mil earmarked for new initiatives to upgrade military facilities in Sabah.
Besides the Lok Kawi camp, funding will also go towards the development of a military camp in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, as well as the construction of the 5th Brigade Camp and the 19th Royal Malay Regiment Camp in Kota Belud.
“Additionally, new border posts will be established in Serudong (Tawau) and Bantul (Pensiangan),” Mohamed Khaled said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Sabah’s defence capabilities, particularly in addressing traditional threats as well as issues like smuggling and illegal immigration.
He made these remarks during a two-day working visit to Sabah, after launching the Defence Ministry’s Civil-Military Cooperation at the Balai Cerap Al-Biruni in Putatan yesterday.
On Saturday, he received a briefing on the Royal Malaysian Navy’s roles and responsibilities in Sabah, which include safeguarding not just the South China Sea, but also the Sulu and Sulawesi seas.
“I am pleased with the assets and ongoing operations and I have also been briefed on the challenges they face in fulfilling their duties,” he said.
