‘Air operations boost confidence’

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Static display of Hawk fighter aircraft.

 

Spie Rig Demo

TAWAU: The deployment of a squadron of fighter aircraft at the main operating base in Labuan has proven the robustness of Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) and the Malaysia Armed Forces (ATM) in enhancing the security and the sovereignty, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.

Speaking to the media in his working visit for air demonstration such as Simulated Strike, Fast Roping, Spie Rig and Static Display at Tawau Airport yesterday morning, Air Operations Commander Lieutenant General Dato Sri Affendi Buang said the presence of the aircraft involved directly in air operations tended to boost confidence building among the people in Sabah.

Affendi said TUDM had defined many security initiatives and deployed assets at certain strategic areas in Sabah to provide surveillance, particularly throughout the East Coast area and South China Sea.

“However, we will continue to enhance our capabilities from time to time and provide a robust defence to the people. We hoped all the air operations could be carried out efficiently with the existing assets provided.

“Indeed, we have Hawk fighter aircraft, B200T Maritime Surveillance aircraft, C130 carrier aircraft, KC130 tanker aircraft as well as Nuri and EC725 helicopters to ensure our capabilities are always at the optimum level.

“We are a strong team and work closely with a special team in enhancing the safety level of Sabah and Sarawak.

Meanwhile, we plan to increase the manpower at the main operating base in Labuan in years to come of which there are about 100 personnel in a squadron (technical unit) right now,” Affendi pointed out in a press conference.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan also urged the people in Sabah and Sarawak to join hands in maintaining the sovereignty of the states from intrusion.

They should not overlook the safety of the country or just rely on the security assets being provided for.

Tawfiq believed the deployment of a squadron of fighter aircraft tends to provide relief to the people in Sabah and it was not rhetoric measure.