PUTRAJAYA: The completion of remote sensor sites, particularly the radar facility on Pulau Malawali in Sabah, must be expedited to eliminate surveillance blind spots and strengthen Malaysia’s border security, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said that despite budget approval, with RM88mil allocated under the 13th Malaysia Plan as a priority initiative, the Pulau Malawali radar project has yet to be completed.
He said the delays were not due to funding constraints but administrative and implementation issues.
"It must be expedited. With its completion, we will be able to enhance our capability to monitor and secure our waters, especially along the eastern coastline.
"Once completed on schedule, it will eliminate blind spots in our surveillance coverage," he said during the Home Ministry's monthly assembly on Monday (May 4).
Saifuddin said gaps in radar coverage remain a concern, as some hotspots have been identified for irregular migration involving undocumented migrants and fatalities.
This includes the area near Tarutao Island off Langkawi, he said.
"This underscores the urgent need to enhance radar capabilities as part of our overall border security management," he said.
He said the matter had been raised with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, with follow-up by the relevant agencies to ensure swift implementation.
Saifuddin said there are 14 inhabited islands along Sabah’s east coast and 48 uninhabited islands.
He said border control agencies are strengthened and constrained by two key factors - assets and surveillance capabilities.
"Our assets are deployed across land, islands and maritime zones. More importantly, radar systems provide highly critical intelligence," he said.
He also said the government had approved six additional forward operating posts in east Sabah, but delays in implementation were affecting operational readiness.
"As end users, enforcement units have already prepared their personnel and operational plans, but the infrastructure is not yet ready. That is not acceptable," he said.
