RM14 billion for Sabah military beef-up

RM14 billion for Sabah military beef-up

More army units with armour and artillery and an army aviation squadron to be set up, says the defence minister.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob inspecting a guard-of-honour by the Royal Malay Regiment at Sri Kinabatangan camp in Sandakan today. (Bernama pic)
SANDAKAN:
The federal government is able to defend the security of Sabah against any external threat, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also senior minister for security.

He said to further strengthen the security system in the state, the federal government will increase military personnel and assets, as well as set up eight military camps and an army aviation squadron immediately, involving a cost of RM14 billion.

“An infantry brigade, three infantry battalions, an armoured regiment, three artillery regiments and an army aviation squadron will be established to strengthen and defend Sabah against any threats.

“We hope the people of Sabah will be convinced that the Malaysian army will be able to take care of their security,” he told reporters after visiting the 22nd Royal Malay Regiment at the Sri Kinabatangan Camp here today.

Ismail also said that the government will always focus on both the west and east coasts of Sabah which are areas that need to be protected.

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