‘More focus on security in northern Sarawak’

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Khaw (third left) and the GOF delegation in a group photograph with Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre). – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) will give more focus on security in the state’s northern areas.

Sarawak GOF commander Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the matter needed to be addressed following feedback received during a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday.

“The courtesy call was to find out what are the demands of the government’s top leadership, particularly with regards to border security.

“There are no serious (concerns). All is safe. But what we will give more focus now will be Sarawak’s northern region, such as Limbang and Lawas, due to probability of smuggling of items from outside,” he told reporters after the meeting.

Having said that, he stressed that security along the state’s border remains under control, with GOF personnel stationed at 11 security outposts throughout Sarawak, including at the new outposts in Lachau and Ba Kelalan.

Khaw was accompanied by the commanding officers of three GOF batallions and two senior officers for the meeting with Abang Johari at the latter’s office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia here.

They were Batallion 11 Kuching commanding officer Supt Mohammad Sari’e Fauzi, Batallion 10 Sibu commanding officer Supt Sanudin Md Isa, Batallion 12 Miri commanding officer Supt Tan Hiap Seng, Sarawak GOF brigade adjutant DSP Ahmad Shafiki Hussion, and GOF intelligence staff officer DSP Rosdi Inai.

On a related matter, Khaw said the GOF will assist in handling the rising number of drug-related cases in the state’s northern areas if there is a request from the Sarawak police contingent.

“At the Sarawak police contingent level, they are doing their part. We will assist the contingent if there is request to eradicate the drug problem,” he said.