KEEP IT UP: Zaki (left) presents a scroll to a recipient. — Photo by Rusnan Mustafa.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The First Division Infantry will continue to help the government implement development projects in the rural areas for the benefit of the people.
Its commander Major General Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar yesterday said the infantry had thus far helped implement 27 and 17 water supply projects in Sarawak and Sabah respectively.
Speaking to reporters after a ceremony to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the division at Muara Tuang Camp here, he said the army was currently building a 75km-long road linking Long Loping to Ba Kelalan.
“We are planning to construct a road linking Ba Kelalan to Bario. Apart from that, we have helped construct a lot of bridges to enhance rural-urban accessibility.”
Zaki, who took over duty from Lieutenant General Datuk Awie Suboh recently, added that the division also played a role in constructing and repairing many houses, particularly in Serian, Sarikei and Kanowit in Sarawak and Semporna in Sabah.
“We are happy that we can play a role in helping the local community, especially those in the rural areas, through our commitment to the National Blue Ocean Strategy.
“We will continue such efforts to ensure rural folks are able to enjoy basic infrastructure, and at the same time reduce the gap between urban and rural areas.”
On the urban areas, Zaki said they would work closely with the police to maintain security in major towns and cities.
The historic joint-patrol programme ‘Rondaan Bersama’ was recently launched in Kuching, and would be introduced in Kota Kinabalu soon, he said.
Earlier in his speech, Zaki urged army personnel to improve their professionalism by enhancing their knowledge, skills and attitude.
Such individual efforts, he said, was essential in line with the division’s endeavour to become a professional organisation.
He expressed hope that innovation could become the culture of work among the personnel of the division.
One of the highlights of the ceremony yesterday was the handing over of appreciation certificates to 20 personnel who had contributed in various aspects.
Nineteen officers and 604 personnel, led by Lieutenant Colonel Zainudin Bahari, participated in yesterday’s parade to mark the celebration.