Stephen (front, centre) and his men gather for a group photo.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: There is a plan to form the 31 Border Brigade under the First Malaysian Infantry Division across the state this year.
First Infantry Commander Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw said the proposed setup would help strengthen security along the borders.
“We want to form this brigade to enhance the First Malaysian Infantry Division’s preparedness, especially our land troops safeguarding the state’s borders. The plan is to have the brigade’s headquarters built in Bintulu this year,” he told reporters when met after a parade involving 1,200 soldiers at the army camp here yesterday.
The event was to commemorate the division’s 49th anniversary.
According to Stephen, the border brigade would have five battalions stationed each in Kuching, Bintulu, Sibu, Miri and Lawas, adding that it would add to the other two brigades currently under the First Division – the Third Brigade and Ninth Brigade.
“With the formation of 31 Border Brigade, we would have more effective control over the borders. Personnel-wise, however, it is still on ad hoc basis, but we are planning to take in men from Askar Wataniah (Territorial Army) for the new brigade,” he said.
Meanwhile, Stephen urged his men in the First Division to be more professional and always ready to face eventualities.
He also reminded them to continue working closely with other government agencies, especially the enforcement authorities, in safeguarding the safety of the citizens in the state and carrying out community programmes.
At the ceremony, the First Infantry commander presented tokens of valour to five members of Royal Malay Army Regiment (RAMD) from the 20th Battalion, as well as certificates of recognition to 19 personnel.
The ceremony was witnessed by commander of the Third Brigade, Brigadier General Md Yusof Aziz.