Zahid (second right) looks at the model of the new quarters to be built at 10th Battalion GOF at Lanang Camp.
SIBU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has approved RM20 million for building the proposed 60-unit new quarters at the 10th Battalion General Operations Force (GOF) base at Lanang Camp here.
The allocation was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during a function to mark the start of the construction of the project yesterday.
When Zahid visited the camp on Jan 30, he said the quarters were worse than squatters’ houses.
He said he came again yesterday because he was very caring towards his ‘anak buah’ (GOF and police personnel under the Home Ministry).
“I don’t just work in air-conditioned room but I go to the ground to see with my own eyes to ensure their welfare is well taken care of.
“I come today because I do not have to wait until Jan 30 next year to implement the project. In fact, I don’t have to come because the GOF and police personnel have cast their votes on May 3,” he said when officiating at the function.
Zahid later promised to look after the welfare and wellbeing of GOF, police personnel and their families as long as he remained the Home Minister.
“This is not a political promise but to translate into action what I have said and how the prime minister felt for our security forces.
“This is also to show the government’s commitment in helping the police and GOF personnel.
“Despite current economic situation and financial constraints, the government is very sensitive towards the welfare of our security forces who sacrifice their energy and lives for the sake of the nation,” he added.
The camp, built in 1968, has most of the buildings comprising wooden structures in really bad condition.
Home Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Wira Muhammad Sabtu Osman, Sarawak GOF Brigade commander Datuk Isa Munir and Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee were also present at the function.