Mastor (middle) with the Armoured Squadron 15 of Sabah GOF Brigade yesterday.
LAHAD DATU: The State General Operatios Force (GOF) is expected to receive more assets, including 12 armoured vehicles, under the 12th Malaysia Plan to assist the Sabah contingent in combating crimes and dealing with security threats.
Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) deputy director Datuk Mastor Mohd Ariff said in addition to current assets, plans to increase assets were made in view of the state’s security situation.
“A total of 12 armoured vehicles are expected to be received by the Sabah contingent this year and 36 more to be received in stages starting 2021.
“The situation in Sabah is unique as we need a large amount of power and assets as well as armoured vehicles are very needed here,” he said.
Mastor said this at a press conference after the launch of the Armoured Squadron 15 of Sabah GOF Brigade here yesterday.
The squadron was established with the purpose of strengthening the combat assets and defence systems of Sabah GOF to face security threats from inside and outside of Sabah.
Mastor said the armoured vehicles could be mobilized in any situation including to address intrusion as well as helping the Sabah contingent to address criminal violence.
The armoured vehicles, he added, would also enable our men to perform patrol safely as some of the infantries (in Peninsular Malaysia) are facing threats such as being shot at while patrolling at the border.
So far, a total of 13 armoured vehicles were placed in Sabah including five Land Rover Shorland ASC/APC, four units of APC Shinjeong S5 and four units of APC IAG Jaws.