KUCHING: The state’s first naval base would be built in Dalat, Mukah, but its construction would only take off after the site is identified and allocation granted, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the original plan to build it at Kampung Buntal here had been scrapped as the site was deemed unsuitable.
“After a thorough inspection, it was found that the land (Buntal) is not suitable. My discussion with Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud concludes that it be built in Dalat,” he told reporters when met at businessman Barry Tan’s Chinese New Year open house here on Thursday.
Zahid explained that there was a need to build a naval base in Sarawak to better safeguard the state.
“We have one at Teluk Sepanggar, in Sabah and Labuan, but they are too far away to cater to the needs of Sarawak.”
On when the project would take off, Zahid said it depended a lot on the 2013 federal budget.
“We have already applied for the allocation, and hoped it would be included under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
“For 10MP, it was not comprehensively stated in the budget as my Ministry had yet to identify a strategic location.”
As for the location, he said his ministry would work closely with the state government and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) to find a strategic site.